Biomass Conversion to High Value Chemicals: From Furfural to Chiral Hydrofuroins in Two Steps

Catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of rac-furoin and furil produces hydrofuroin with up to 99% ee and 9:1 dr. This reaction provides an exceptionally easy access to optically active hydrofuroins in two straightforward steps from biomass-derived furfural (global production 200 000-300 000 t annually) using benzoin condensation.