Recent advances in 2-methylfuran production via catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural

The production of 2-methylfuran (2-MF) through catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural is a promising avenue in biomass-derived chemical synthesis. This process offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to the conventional furfural hydrogenation processes, which are burdened by high operational costs, safety concerns and environmental impacts. Despite substantial research advances, the commercialization of transfer hydrogenation faces complexities requiring a systematic exploration for practical implementation. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted factors influencing 2-MF synthesis from furfural. A primary focus lies in juxtaposing catalyst and H-donor properties, process conditions and reactor configurations on the production of 2-MF. Catalyst properties, including surface area, acidic site concentration, oxophilicity and isoelectric point, emerge as pivotal determinants of the efficiency of the process. Concurrently, the hydrogen release capacity of H-donors emphasises the contributions of redox potential, polarity and carbon chain length, amongst other properties. Reactor configurations and operational conditions such as temperature, duration, and substrate quantity wield considerable influence over 2-MF yield and furfural conversion. Challenges with regard to scalability, economics and sustainability are highlighted, underscoring the need for innovative catalyst designs, efficient reactor setups, and strategic process establishment to enable industrial adoption. The intricate interplay of these factors necessitates in-depth exploration to produce innovative solutions to unlock the full potential of 2-MF synthesis via catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural for industrial-scale implementation.