Facile molecular catalysis for isomerization of glucose to fructose using KMnO₄ in water

This research demonstrates of the eco-friendly conversion of glucose to fructose in an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) via a hydrothermal method. A series of reactions have been completed at different temperatures, times, and concentrations of the catalyst. The examination of the glucose to fructose transformation was determined by using quantitative HPLC, and ¹³C-NMR analyses. 29 % fructose yield was found with 68% fructose selectivity, at 90 °C for an 8h reaction in aqueous solution. The catalytic activity of the KMnO₄ was correlated with its Lewis acidity. The outcomes of these experiments provided a better understanding of sugar transformations in the KMnO₄ aqueous solution. The mechanism of glucose isomerization has been proposed based on supporting transformations utilizing Lewis acids for the isomerization of glucose.