In recent years, considerable efforts have been made regarding the synthesis of renewable chemicals from natural resources. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an interesting platform chemical which has been widely exploited due to its rich chemistry and potential availability. The versatility of HMF has been demonstrated in several areas such as fine chemicals, biofuel precursors, and polymers. In particular, the potential to replace petroleum-based analogues in the preparation of polymers associated with high performance has been observed owing to the structural rigidity of furan rings. This review aims at critically discuss the current research studies related to the derivatives of HMF, alongside with the synthesis and characterization of (co-) polymers derived from HMF and its derivatives. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.