5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) derived from sugars is the link between biomass and furan-based chemicals. With its various functional groups and associated reaction sites, this small molecule opens the door to a wide range of chemical modifications, which makes 5-HMF a versatile renewable building block.

5-HMF is widely spread in food products and is formed in sugar containing food when exposed to heat. It is widely used as an indicator of quality in food products. It is also employed to indicate the adulteration of food products with acid converted invert syrups.