Scalable synthesis of hydroxymethyl alkylfuranoates as stable 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid precursors

Hydroxymethyl furanoic acid and its derivatives have been synthesized in high yields and purity from gluconolactone. The reaction sequence allows the recovery of reagents and the use of bio-friendly chemicals and solvents, and can easily be scaled up. The reaction product on a >100 gram scale can be purified by a single purification method, such as distillation or precipitation. The overall yield is above 50%. Hydroxymethyl furanoic acid and its derivatives have been synthesized in high yields and purity from gluconolactone.