Eco-friendly synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and its application to the Ferrier-rearrangement reaction

ABSTRACT5-Hydroxymethylfurfural was conveniently synthesized by dehydration of D-fructose in a good yield. To further build bioactive derivatives from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 2,3-unsaturated glycosides were directly obtained through the Ferrier-rearrange-ment reaction of various glycals. Noticeably, a solid acid catalyst was successfully applied in the preparation of 5-hydroxyme-thylfurfural and then recycled to promote the Ferrier-rearrang-ement reaction, making it possible to achieve two steps of reaction in an eco-friendly manner through the simple process.