Glucose activation by transient Cr2+ dimers.

By combining in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, DFT calculations and kinetic measurements we demonstrate that the unique ability of CrCl2 in ionic liquid media to catalyze glucose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural relates to the transient self-organization of Cr2+ dimers, which promotes the isomerization of glucose to fructose. The molecular details of the active site environment during the rate controlling step resemble those in hexose isomerase enzymes.

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