Development Trends in Selective Hydrogenation Upgrading of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Catalyzed by Heterogeneous Metal Catalysts

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a crucial platform molecule derived from biomass, with the potential for conversion into a wide array of products, intermediates, or monomers through various transformations including hydrogenation, oxidation, reductive amination, etherification, and decarbonylation due to its diverse functional groups (hydroxy, aldehyde, furan ring). Particularly, diverse products can be derived from the hydrogenation of C=O, C=C, and C–OH, posing a significant challenge in developing active and highly selective catalysts. This minireview addresses recent developments in heterogeneous catalysts and their application to HMF hydrogenation. Emphasis is placed on hydrogenation pathways and the construction of catalytic systems. The aim is to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, and dehydrogenation reactions applicable to biomass conversion. Additionally, current challenges and future opportunities are outlined to guide further studies towards more efficient and scalable processes.