Acid and magnetic modifications of gum arabic as a dual approach for preparation of an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for conversion of fructose to value-added furanic compound

In an attempt to expand the utility of natural compounds in catalysis, a novel heterogeneous catalyst derived from Gum Arabic, a natural polysaccharide, was synthesized by its modification with chlorosulfuric acid and subsequent magnetization. Material characterization confirmed the successful modification and magnetization of GA. Hammet method also approved increase of acidity of gum upon functionalization with chlorosulfuric acid. According to Response Surface Methodology optimization, this catalyst exhibited high activity for the conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural under mild conditions, achieving a 96% yield at 85 °C within 73 min using 30 wt% catalyst loading. The kinetic study indicated an activation energy of 89 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters were determined, with enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy values of 86.11 kJ/mol, − 29.45 J/mol, and 96.65 kJ/mol, respectively. Furthermore, the catalyst displayed excellent recyclability, retaining over 87% activity for five consecutive cycles, and a heterogenous nature as confirmed by hot filtration test. This study demonstrates the potential of the as-prepared catalyst for sustainable 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production, highlighting its high activity, recyclability, and environmentally friendly nature.