Wikipedia
Methoxymethylfurfural (MMF), also 5-methoxymethylfuran-2-carbaldehyde, is an organic compound derived from dehydration of sugars and subsequent etherification with methanol. This colorless liquid is soluble in a wide range of solvents including lower alcohols. The molecule is a derivative of furan, containing both aldehyde and ether (methoxymethyl) functional groups. MMF has been detected in the leaves and roots of Chilean Jaborosa magellanica (Solanaceae) and is a component of mammary and uterus care herb tea. It has a typical odor suggestive of maraschino cherries. MMF can be made from a wide range of carbohydrate containing feedstocks including sugar, starch and cellulose using a chemical catalytic process and is a potential " carbon-neutral" feedstock for fuels and chemicals. The company Avantium is currently building a pilot plant to upscale the continuous production of this key YXY building block.