The invention provides a method for preparing a 2,5-dialkyl furan. The method includes forming a reaction mixture containing a catalyst, a hydrogen source, and 2-haloalkylfuran starting material under conditions sufficient to form the 2,5-dialkyl furan. The 2-haloalkylfuran starting material can be derived from biomass, and the 2,5-dialkyl furan product can be used as a biofuel or as a chemical feedstock.