Unraveling the Ru-Catalyzed Hydrogenolysis of Cellulosic Biomass

A comprehensive reaction network for the Ru/C-catalyzed hydrogenation of Cellulose is proposed based on the analysis of the reaction mixtures of Cellobitol and Sorbitol. The primary degradation pathways such as epimerization, decarbonylation and deoxygenation were identified, enabling a targeted optimization of catalysts for utilization of cellulosic biomass.