Conversion of fructose into 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural in sulfolane.

Population growth has created an expanding gap between the supply and demand of both energy and chemicals. Nonrenewable fossil sources, such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum, are the source of nearly 86% of the world’s energy and 96% of its organic chemicals. Diminishing reserves of these sources, rising atmospheric CO2 levels, and socioeconomic concerns require a reduction of our dependence on these sources. Furanics, such as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), hold special promise because their carbon skeletons are identical to those in cellulose and hemicellulose, which are the most abundant organic molecules on our planet. HMF could serve as a sustainable source of liquid fuels and chemicals (Scheme 1).