EN
Acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols has
emerged as a powerful methodology for the valorization of
biomass derived platform chemicals and building blocks. In
this review we provide a short overview of the advantages
and possible product outcomes of this method. The main
focus will be devoted to the conversion of glycerol, which
is the major waste product of biodiesel production, to lactic
acid. While extensive research addresses the development
of heterogeneous catalysts, recently new and highly active
iridium and ruthenium complexes have also been reported.
These novel homogeneous catalysts are even more active
than the already reported heterogeneous systems and
enable the direct conversion of glycerol into lactic acid and
molecular hydrogen. While the product hydrogen might be
used either as fuel or as reducing agent for other processes,
lactic acid is a platform chemical widely employed by the
polymer, pharmaceutical and food industries. The used
catalytic methodology is atom-economic, waste-free and
is uniquely suited for the efficient conversion of renewable
resources.