Methods for the production of dehydrated sugars and derivatives of dehydrated sugars using microwave (MW) irradiation and methods of purifying the same are described. The dehydrated sugars derivatives include 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) and anhydrosugar alcohols such as sorbitans and isosorbide. The derivatives include HMF ethers, levulinic acid esters, and ether derivatives of the anhydrosugar alcohols. The described methods require lower reaction temperatures and shorter reaction times than similar non microwave mediated reactions known in the art. Typical reaction conditions are 120-210C, and typical reaction times are 30 minutes or less.