This paper discusses the methods and the research progress of producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from renewable biomass resources. 5-HMF as an important platform chemical compound can be converted into many kinds of reactive polymer monomers

such as levulinic acid

2

5-furandicarboxylic acid

furan resin precursor to be used for synthesis of polyester

surface active agents

coating materials and synthetic perfume. This paper focuses on the preparation methods of 5-HMF in laboratory and the existing problems. In comparison with advantages and disadvantages of the preparation methods in single-phase

doubt phases and other system

the influence of the conditions related to the yield and selectivity of 5-HMF is discussed. The future prospect for the industrialization of 5-HMF is also forecasted.