Nickel phosphate molecular sieves VSB-5 as heterogeneous catalysts for synthesis of monosaccharides from formaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone

Condensation of dihydroxyacetone with formaldehyde was found to be effectively catalyzed by nickel phosphate molecular sieves (VSB-5 and Fe–VSB-5) in neutral aqueous medium. In the presence of VSB-5 the main products are erythrulose and 3-pentulose, while Fe–VSB-5 favours the formation of only erythrulose.