Synthesis of the natural herbicide delta-aminolevulinic acid from cellulose-derived 5-(chloromethyl)furfural

Cellulose-derived 5-(chloromethyl)furfural is converted into delta-aminolevulinic acid in three chemical steps involving conversion to 5-(azidomethyl)furfural, photooxidation, and catalytic hydrogenation in 68% overall yield. delta-Aminolevulinic acid is a natural product with important agrochemical and pharmaceutical applications.