Selective Base-Catalyzed Isomerization of Glucose to Fructose

Base-catalyzed isomerization of glucose to fructose has been reported only with very low yields (<10%). Our recent work with homogeneous organic bases resulted in high fructose yields (29%). Heterogeneous catalysts were synthesized by functionalizing nanocarbons with amines. The resulting carbon materials isomerize glucose, and are easily recoverable from reaction mixtures.