Recent advances in the oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to furan-2,5-dimethylcarboxylate

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as an important versatile compound derived from renewable biomass has gained great significance in both industry and academia. The oxidative esterification product of HMF, furan-2,5-dimethylcarboxylate (FDMC), is considered to be a good candidate for the replacement of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as a bioplastics synthon. However, HMF oxidative esterification to FDMC has not been comprehensively summarized to date. Recent studies on the production of FDMC from HMF via various catalytic approaches including the use of noble or non-noble metal catalysts in a base or base free environment have been discussed. The approach of the continuous flow regime for the preparation of FDMC is likewise summarized. Furthermore, the perspective toward industrialization of HMF oxidative esterification to FDMC in a more green, simple, efficient and economical way has also been proposed. © 2022 The Royal Society of Chemistry.