The bioplatform molecule 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) has potential as an intermediate or precursor in the preparation of useful products, such as bioderived fuels, chemicals and polymers. The replacement of the halogenated solvents and the use of a semi-batch system have been investigated in the synthesis to reduce the human and environmental safety concerns associated with current CMF production methods. The new method gives a high yield of CMF from fructose without chlorinated solvents, and can be extended to the synthesis of CMF from other feedstocks such as sugars, cellulose, seaweed and sawdust.

No abstract