High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), also 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural, is an organic compound derived from dehydration of certain sugars. This yellow low-melting solid is highly water-soluble. The molecule consists of a furan ring, containing both aldehyde and alcohol functional groups. HMF has been identified in a wide variety of heat-processed foods including milk, fruit juices, spirits, honey, etc. HMF, which is derived from cellulose without use of fermentation, is a potential "carbon-neutral" feedstock for fuels and chemicals.