| abstract |
A process is described for the preparation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which comprises the following steps: provision or preparation of a starting mixture, comprising one, two or more starting compounds selected from the group consisting of hexoses, oligosaccharides comprising hexose units, and polysaccharides comprising hexose units, one, two or more organic salts with a melting point < 180°C and a boiling point > 200°C at 1013.25 hPa, optionally additionally one or more catalysts for the conversion of the one starting compound or at least one of the two or more starting compounds to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), optionally water, optionally further substances, adjustment of reaction conditions such that an amount of the starting compound or starting compounds converts to HMF. |