Methods in the synthesis and conversion of 2,5-Bis-(hydroxylmethyl)furan from bio-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and its great potential in polymerization

• Published in: Bioresources Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 7137 - 7154
• Main Authors: Zhang, Junhua, Wang, Ting, Tang, Xing, Peng, Lincai, Wei, Junnan, Lin, Lu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 27.05.2018
• ISSN: 1930-2126; 1930-2126
• DOI: 10.15376/biores.13.3.Zhang

To meet increasing demands for alternatives to fossil-based chemicals, environment-friendly and renewable energy materials are of great importance. Biomass-derived 2,5-bis-(hydroxylmethyl)furan (BHMF) has the potential to partly substitute petroleum-based aromatic diols during polymerization. This paper summarizes recent research on the synthesis of BHMF by the reaction of hydrogen from biomass-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural through different reduction routes, including the Cannizzaro reaction, catalytic hydrogenation, and catalytic transfer hydrogenation. Applications of BHMF as a direct material and intermediate in fabricating polyurethane, self-healing materials, resins, and more, which utilize ring-opening, double-bond addition, and oxidation reactions, are discussed briefly. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities in the formation and application of BHMF in the future are discussed.