What are the Key Catalytic Processes involving Cellulose?
The catalytic conversion of cellulose can be broadly classified into several types of processes:
Hydrolysis: This involves breaking down cellulose into glucose and other simple sugars using acid or enzymatic catalysts. Hydrogenation: Transforming glucose into sorbitol or other sugar alcohols through catalytic hydrogenation. Dehydration: Converting sugars into platform chemicals like hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using acid catalysts. Oxidation: Producing valuable chemicals such as gluconic acid from glucose using oxidation catalysts.
