Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethyl furfural to the building block 2,5-bishydroxymethyl furan

An efficient process for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) to 2,5-bishydroxymethyl furan (BHMF) is presented using ethanol as a hydrogen donor and solvent over low-cost ZrO(OH)2. A HMF conversion of 94.1% and a DHMF selectivity of 88.9% were achieved at 423 K in 2.5 h. The fresh, spent, and regenerated catalysts were characterized comprehensively, and the OH group of ZrO(OH)2 as sites for ligand exchange with ethanol was considered to be important for the activity.