5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) is derived by dehydrating sugars, fructose in particular. It was first synthesized from fructose by W. N. Haworth and W. G. M. Jones in 1944. It has been used as a starting material to synthesize compounds with oxygen-containing functional groups; HMF-derived 2,5-dimethyfuran has been evaluated as a biofuel. Recently, HMF was shown to be toxic to honeybees fed with high-fructose corn syrup.
Learn more about this molecule from CAS, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!
If your favorite molecule is not in our archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!
Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve
Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.
