Conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was investigated in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solvent with increasing reaction temperatures and impact of residual water from dehydration reaction byproduct. To convert fructose to 5-HMF, increasing reaction temperature led more conversion to 5-HMF than lower temperature at the range of $120-150^{circ}C$ in DMSO solvent. DMSO engaged in the acid-catalyzed dehydration and rearrangement reaction as acid and solvent. Increasing temperature led to more furanose structure than pyranose at the range of $30-80^{circ}C$. Formed 5-HMF could be degraded to levulinic and formic acid at the presence of acid and water. Removal of water in reaction medium could prevent 5-HMF degradation.