| abstract |
A process for producing 5-halomethylfurfural represented by the formula, <IMAGE> wherein X is Cl or Br, which comprises carrying out a acid-decomposition of saccharide in a water/organic solvent/magnesium halide system with hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen chloride or other mineral acid in the presence or absence of surface active agent as a catalyst. The 5-halomethylfurfural is useful as an intermediate of medicines, agricultural chemicals, perfumes and the like. |