Direct conversion of fructose to levulinic acid in water medium catalyzed by a reusable perfluorosulfonic acid Aquivion® resin

•Fructose was directly converted to levulinic acid over an Aquivion® PFSA pellet.•3.2 mol/molH+ yield to levulinic acid was achieved at 96% selectivity at 120 °C in water.•Aquivion® P98 solid acid with entirely accessible SO3H sites was stable and reusable.•Reaction pathway and roles of levulinic acid and formic acid as homogeneous catalysts were studied.