Recent advances in the catalytic production of bio-based diol 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan

Biomass-derived 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) has received great attention and interest due to its broad application prospects in polyesters and medicine. Over the past decades, the catalytic systems including thermocatalytic, biocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into BHMF have been developed to a great extent. To understand the present status and challenges of BHMF production, this review systematically evaluates recent findings and developments of HMF hydrogenation through various reaction systems, with an emphasis on catalyst screening, synthesis processes, and reaction mechanism. Furthermore, a few potential research trends are also proposed, in order to provide innovative ideas for further exploration of BHMF synthesis in a simpler, efficient, and economical way.