Sugar Dehydration to HMF using Solid Foam Supported Acid Catalysts with Simultaneous Product Extraction

Solid acid catalysts deposited on foam structured supports were tested for the dehydration of fructose and glucose to HMF. Good catalyst adhesion, re-usability, and high activity were obtained. Extraction during reaction significantly improved the HMF yield and prevented humins formation. Brönsted acid sites were selective, whereas Lewis acid sites catalyzed unwanted transformations.