5-(Chloromethyl)furfural is the New HMF: Functionally Equivalent But More Practical in Terms of its Production From Biomass

Abstract

5-(Chloromethyl)furfural (CMF) is a disruptive innovation in the biorefinery. Chemically, it is at least as versatile as the well-known HMF but, unlike HMF, it is accessible in high yield directly from cellulosic biomass due to its lipophilicity and stability under acidic conditions, which facilitate isolation. It has a rich derivative chemistry that includes biofuels, renewable polymers, specialty chemicals, and value-added agrochemical and pharmaceutical products.

Keywords: 5-(chloromethyl)furfural; 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural; biomass; biorefinery; furfurals.