Biocatalytic reduction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandimethanol using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water

The hexose dehydration product and important renewable feedstock 5-hydroxymethylfurfural can be bio-catalytically reduced to 2,5-furandimethanol in 96% yield using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water as the biocatalyst at room temperature. The dimer of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural 5,5'-[oxybis(methylene)]bis[2-furaldehyde] can also be reduced to the corresponding diol 5,5'-[oxybis(methylene)]bis-[2-furanmethanol] using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water in 95% yield under similar conditions. This biocatalytic system could be reused in four cycles without an appreciable loss in activity.