Fuel and organic compounds derived from fructose

[Christophe]

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new process for the synthesis of hydroxymethylfurfural aromatic aldehyde (HMF) from fructose derived from agricultural products, characterized by improved yield and easier extraction of the product. The reaction begins with dehydration of the fructose, carried out in the aqueous phase in the presence of an acid catalyst (hydrochloric acid, acid ion exchange resin), added with dimethylsulfoxide to avoid parasitic reactions. Researchers increased the solubility of HMF in the reaction solvent - methyl isobutyl ketone MIBK (Methyl IsoButyl Ketone) - by adding small amounts of butanol-2 to it, which facilitates the extraction of HMF from the aqueous phase during the process and before he reacts with it. The product is recovered after distillation of the solvent, the low boiling point of MIBK facilitating the extraction of HMF.
HMF is a basic molecule for making organic compounds (plastics, fuels).

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