The preparation of 5‐chloromethylfurfuraldehyde from high fructose corn syrup and other carbohydrates

A 92–95% conversion of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or crystalline D ‐fructose to 5‐chloromethylfurfuraldehyde (CMF) was achieved using 300 mol% of concentrated hydrochloric acid in chlorobenzene, under a nitrogen atmosphere, a reaction temperature of 75°C and a reaction time of 1–2 h. Constant high‐speed stirring was essential for high yields and purity of CMF. Inferior yields of CMF were obtained from glucose and starch. Saccharine, phenyl sulphone and thiuronium derivatives were prepared and characterised. The use of surfactants did not improve the yields of CMF.