Abstract:
This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from saccharides. In particular this invention relates to a process for the dehydration of monosaccharides having 6 carbon atoms (haxoses), disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides deriving to yield highly pure 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in high yield.