Activity of a Heterogeneous Catalyst in Deep Eutectic Solvents: The Case of Carbohydrate Conversion into 5‑Hydroxymethylfurfural

Obtaining industrially relevant products from renewable resources anddeveloping processes under the light of sustainable chemistry is a prominent endeavor ofpresent-day chemical research. In this context, herein we investigated the dehydration offructose and sucrose in deep eutectic solvents promoted by the ion-exchange resinAmberlyst 15 as heterogeneous catalyst. We optimized the reaction conditions in terms oftemperature, catalyst loading, and initial amount of substrate. Then, we looked at the effectof structural variations in the solvent components on the reaction outcome. Under the bestexperimental conditions, we obtained very good yields of 78% at 60 °C and 69% at 80 °Cfor fructose and sucrose, respectively. Our catalytic system could also be reused for at leastfive cycles without loss in yield. Finally, this study evidenced what structural features in thesolvent components lead to the highest yields.