5-Methylfurfural

5-Methylfurfural is an organic compound with the formula. An aldehyde that is derived through various extractions and reductions from cellulose products, it has applications as a synthetic intermediate relevant to the fields of medicine, agriculture and cosmetics. It is a food additive, and has FEMA number 270s and JECFA number 745. Reduction of 5-methylfurfural gives the product 5-methylfurfuryl alcohol.

Synthesis

The synthesis of 5-methylfurfural has been documented from as early as 1891. It was originally synthesized from rhamnose, but can be produced from the dehydration of sucrose and other cellulose products. Several synthetic pathways have been proposed from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The compound has been produced in the 21st century using the historical precursor of rhamnose with the aim to use it as a precursor to biogasoline.