Mechanisitc insights into the catalytic transformations of renewable intermediates

The future production of fuels and chemicals will undoubtedly rely on the conversion of C₃-C₆ cellulosic oxygenate intermediates such as glycerol or glucose derived from renewable resources. This will require the ability to selectively activate specific C-O, C-H and C-C bonds while leaving the other bonds in tact. Herein we discus the selective oxidation and hydrogenation of model C₃-C₆ platform chemicals and the influence of the nature of the reactant, the metal, and the solution properties.