On the chemistry of furfuryl alcohol polymerization: A review

This review dives into the intricate chemistry of furfuryl alcohol (FA) polymerization, a critical process for producing FA-based resins (oligomers and polymers). Despite over a century of studies, the complexity of FA resinification continues to intrigue scientists, engendering extensive discourses. The inherent complexity and heterogeneity of FA resins have thwarted attempts to propose a universally applicable structural elucidation, prompting the investigation of numerous proposed mechanisms. Drawing upon an extensive corpus of literature, we survey various proposed mechanisms and representative structural attributes of a range of FA polymeric systems. The insights from a rich tapestry of experimental evidence collectively illuminate the manifold intermediates and pathways that characterize various FA polymerization techniques. A critical appraisal of prevailing debates and counterarguments offers a nuanced perspective on the diverse facets of FA polymerization chemistry. Moreover, this work underscores the latent potential of biobased chemistry, from the perspective of furan chemistry, as a potent catalyst for driving the essential objectives of de-fossilization and sustainability within the chemical and materials industries. Subsequently, it provides valuable insights into the present state of knowledge on FA polymerization, thereby serving as a vanguard for delineating future research trajectories in this captivating field.