Sulfonic acid functionalized dendrimer-grafted cellulose as a solid acid catalyst for the high-yield and green production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

An efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst was prepared via the growth of a thiol-functionalized third-generation dendrimer on the surface of cellulose employing thiol–ene click chemistry, followed by the formation of sulfonic acid groups via the oxidation of thiol groups.