Converting carbohydrates to bulk chemicals and fine chemicals over heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract

In this Critical Review, we discuss how carbohydrates can be transformed into a variety of chemicals through heterogeneous catalysis. We focus particularly on oxidation, reduction and dehydration of hexoses, as well as one-pot reactions of di- and polysaccharides. Most of the reactions involve heterogeneous catalysts, although some interesting homogeneously catalyzed processes are also included.