Aluminum‐Containing Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Selective and Reusable Catalysts for Glucose Isomerization to Fructose

Fructose is a versatile precursor for food and chemicals. Currently, catalytic production of fructose achieved by enzymatic isomerization glucose from renewable lignocellulose. Although the catalyst, isomerase, selective, it not stable. Here, aluminum-containing metal-organic frameworks (Al-MOFs) are shown to be active, stable, reusable in ethanol. Al-MOFs 64% selectivity with 82% conversion at 120 °C, superior performance compared most other solid catalysts. The amino groups enhance Lewis acid strength, which responsible high conversion. Moreover, Al-MOF catalyst stable least four times without losing either activity or selectivity. These findings illustrate compelling opportunities organic reactions, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural levulinic acid.