Synthesis of N-Substituted 3-Hydroxypyridinium Salts from Bioderived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Water

We present a new sustainable protocol for the syntheses of bio-derived N-substituted 3-hydroxypyridinium salts with a broad substrate scope from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using water as a reaction medium. 3-Hydroxypyridine, 3-hydroxypyridinium N-oxide, 3-hydroxypiperidine, and a pyridostigmine analogue were also synthesized, highlighting the application potentials of this approach.