Selective direct conversion of C-5 and C-6 sugars to high added-value chemicals by a bifunctional, single catalytic body

The selective multi-step conversion of lignocellulose-derived monosaccharides to fine-chemicals has been achieved in one-pot, one-stage by a readily available heterogeneous bifunctional catalyst comprising 0.2% (w/w) ruthenium onto a Bronsted acid solid support. The anhydro-sugar alcohols of glucose and xylose were obtained in 86% and in 95% yield, respectively.