Sustainable production of biofuel precursors by aldol condensation with biomass-derived 5-methylfurfural

Renewable 5-methylfurfural was subjected to a ‘green’ base- catalyzed aldol condensation with a variety of ketones to afford the corresponding furan-containing α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with high yields and selectivities. The products obtained can serve as precursors for the long- chained fuel-grade liquid bio-alkanes.