Preparation of added-value molecules derived from 5-hmf by reduction or oxidation using continuous flow synthesis

Abstract

The use of biomass as a carbon source in order to create platform molecules that serve as a shuttle for the synthesis of high value-added products and thus abandoning the use of fossil resources is a reality. Molecules such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural contain a great application potential, since it can lead to the formation of numerous products of interest in numerous sectors, such as polymers or biofuels. In turn, the manufacture of HMF from continuous flow technologies for the scaling-up of the production to an industrial level could be made possible, despite the challenges that still need to be overcome in terms of production and scalability. However, it is a promising path that, combined with the right technology or strategy that makes separation and purification economically viable processes, can be disruptive.