Converting sugars to sugar alcohols by aqueous phase catalytic hydrogenation
Douglas C. Elliott · OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) · 2023
The present invention provides a method of converting sugars to their corresponding sugar alcohols by catalytic hydrogenation in the aqueous phase. It has been found that surprisingly superior results can be obtained by utilizing a relatively low temperature (less than 120.degree. C.), selected hydrogenation conditions, and a hydrothermally stable catalyst. These results include excellent sugar conversion to the desired sugar alcohol, in combination with long life under hydrothermal conditions.