Renewable furfural and 2-methylfuran valorization: catalytic routes for the production of sustainable aviation C-15 fuel precursors

Abstract

The catalytic formation of carbon–carbon bonds offers a highly promising strategy for synthesizing long-chain hydrocarbons, which are critical intermediates in the development of renewable biofuels. Among various renewable carbon sources, lignocellulosic biomass stands out as the most abundant and sustainable feedstock for producing high-value chemicals. In particular, furfural and 2-methylfuran, key biomass-derived platform molecules, have gained significant attention for their ability to undergo hydroxyalkylation alkylation (HAA) reactions, leading to the formation of C-15 biofuel precursors suitable for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the catalytic upgrading of furfural and 2-methylfuran toward C-15 hydrocarbons. Special emphasis is placed on the rational design and development of heterogeneous catalysts, highlighting the crucial role of synergistic Lewis and Brønsted acid sites in driving the desired transformations. Additionally, critical reaction parameters influencing activity, selectivity, and catalyst stability are systematically discussed. Finally, future perspectives are outlined, emphasizing the need for robust, recyclable catalysts and scalable processes to facilitate the transition of these technologies from the laboratory to industrial-scale applications in sustainable aviation fuel production.