Process for synthesis of furan derivative using an acid catalyst and preparation thereof

Abstract

In accordance with the present subject matter, there is provided a process for preparing a furan derivative, the process comprising the steps of contacting a sugar with a monophasic organic solvent to obtain a reaction mixture; and subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature in the range from 100° C. to 180° C., in presence of an acid catalyst, for a time period in the range of 0.5 min to 4.0 h to obtain at least 70% conversion of the sugar to a single furan derivative, wherein the acid catalyst is selected from the group consisting of homogenous acid catalyst, heterogenous solid acid catalyst, and combinations thereof. There is also provided a process for preparation of a heterogenous solid acid catalyst.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A process for preparing a heterogeneous solid acid catalyst, the process comprising the steps of:
 a. contacting a sulfonating agent with a polymer in presence of an organic solvent to obtain a reaction suspension;   b. agitating the reaction suspension at a temperature in the range of 35° C. to 100° C. for a time period in the range of 30 min to 4 hrs to obtain a suspension of a heterogeneous acid catalyst; and   c. isolating the suspension of the heterogeneous acid catalyst to obtain the heterogeneous solid acid catalyst.   
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the sulfonating agent is selected from the group consisting of chlorosulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, sulfur trioxide, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the sulfonating agent is chlorosulfonic acid. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, polyhydroxymethylmethacrylate polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, silica, alumina, polyethylene amine, polyamide, and polyallylamine. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, and polyhydroxymethylmethacrylate. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 13 , wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of methylene dichloride, chloroform, carbon-tetrachloride, ethylene dichloride, propylene dichloride, and combinations thereof.