Catalytic Hydrothermal Conversion of Biomass-Derived Carbohydrates to High Value-Added Chemicals

Abstract

The reduction of the dependence on petroleum oil and the development of renewable sources to replace fossil fuels have been a hot topic recently in the field of energy. One of the strategies for the replacement of petroleum oil in the production of fuels is to develop efficient renewable fuels and chemicals from biomass. Efficient conversion of biomass-derived carbohydrates into high value- added chemicals such as alcohols has drawn the attention of many chemists due to their industrial importance. This chapter focuses on our recent research relating to the synthesis of alcohols from biomass-derived esters and their interesting mechanism aspects. New developments including the synthesis of ethylene glycol and 1, 2-propanediol are discussed.