LAUSR

Abstract Sulfonated magnetic carbon nanoparticles (SMCNs) were synthesized from eucalyptus oil via co-pyrolysis with ferrocene and sulfonation by H2SO4. Catalytic performance of SMCNs for conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was examined within a designated range of reaction temperature (120–180 °C) and time (30–240 min). 84% conversion of fructose and 51.6% yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural could be achieved with catalyst-to-fructose mass ratio of 0.167 at 180 °C and the reaction time of 30 min. The magnetic property of SMCNs also facilitated recovery and recycling of the spent catalyst. Additionally, more than 50% yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural could be achieved after three cycles.