Selective Conversion of Fructose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Catalyzed by Tungsten Salts at Low Temperatures

An ionic liquid–tungsten salt catalyst system that can convert fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural at low temperatures (room temperature to 50 °C) is reported. An ionic liquid–tetrahydrofuran biphasic system using a tungsten salt catalyst offers a feasible large-scale continuous production protocol for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural that operates at low temperatures and ambient pressure. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.