Conversion mechanism of cellulosic biomass to lactic acid in subcritical water and acid-base catalytic effect of subcritical water

The conversion mechanism of cellulosic biomass to lactic acid in subcritical water without the addition of any alkaline catalyst is discussed. Results showed that this conversion mechanism appears to follow the same pathways elucidated in the conversion of sugar to lactic acid in an alkaline solution. Further, it is suggested that water in the subcritical region may act as an effective acid-base catalyst.