Advances in the Catalytic Production and Utilization of Sorbitol

Recently, research on the production and transformation of sorbitol has become exciting in chemical industry and in catalysis studies for its broad applications. It opens up a new path for achieving sustainable energy supply and chemicals production. Here we mainly review the catalytic routes for the synthesis of sorbitol and conversion of sorbitol into high value-added compounds such as lower alcohols, paraffins, isosorbide, and other derivatives. Meanwhile, some promising and valuable research directions are suggested based on the major challenges emerged in current research, such as the development of efficient magnetic catalysts, microwave heating, and other hydrogen sources.