Main catalytic challenges in ethanol chemistry: A review

Greenhouse gases emissions are in the spotlight of global politics and economics. To accomplish carbon neutrality, new ways of producing energy and chemicals are necessary. Bioethanol stands out as an important molecule in this scenario. This work brings abroad vision of the importance of bioethanol and its perspectives, discussing the most recent and relevant catalytic studies for several reactions using it as feedstock. In the end, we outline possible biorefinery arrangements using the discussed routes and most promising catalysts. This article review may shed light to the development of biorefineries, contributing to the growth of green chemistry.