Harmonising production, properties and environmental consequences of liquid transport fuels from biomass - 2,5-dimethylfuran as a case study

The rapid development in methods for transforming non-edible biomass into platform chemicals and fuels has accelerated over recent years. However, the determination of whether these 'next-generation' biofuels perform in a satisfactory manner in engines, turbines and burners has lagged behind. The evaluation of the ecological and toxicological aspects has also been unable to keep up. We show, by using 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) as a concrete example, how a range of studies is needed to establish the benefits and risks of using a particular biofuel. In this regard, the variable with the largest impact about which little is known is probably the behaviour of DMF when it is accidentally introduced into groundwater. A primary consideration is to avoid a repetition of the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) fiasco. Fuel for the future? 2,5-Dimethylfuran has been the subject of many recent studies since its potential as a 'green next-generation' biofuel was highlighted in 2007. The chemistry of this compound is characterised by unusually strong ring-carbon-to-hydrogen bonds, and some of its derivatives are distinguished by extremely weak bonds. This combination makes the task of unravelling their chemistry, and the impacts on the environment and human health, both interesting and challenging.