The Tollens’ test for pentoses relies on reaction of the furfural with phloroglucinol to produce a colored compound with high molar absorptivity.
Furanics (e.g. 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid, HMF, furfural) have been referred to as “Sleeping Giants” because of their enormous market potential, as evidenced by the research of DuPont and DSM in this area and its position in the US Department of Energy top 12 of high-potential biobased products.