Efficient conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural catalyzed by a common Lewis acid SnCl4 in an ionic liquid

The common Lewis acid SnCl4 could efficiently convert glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMim]BF4). New evidence indicated that the formation of the five-membered-ring chelate complex of the Sn atom and glucose may play a key role for the formation of HMF, and the mechanism for the reaction was proposed. In addition, the [EMim]BF4/SnCl4 system was also suitable for the conversion of fructose, sucrose, inulin, cellobiose and starch.