Abstract The selective dehydroxylation in aqueous solution of C 3 C 5 polyols and C 6 sugars in the presence of homogeneous ruthenium iodocarbonyl catalysts,[Ru (CO) 3 I 3]− species, has been studied. Glycerol, pure or in dilute aqueous solution, is dehydroxylated to give n-propanol and its ethers with selectivities of up to 90%. Xylitol and C 6 sugars, glucose and fructose, are dehydrated and hydrogenated through initial formation of levulinic acid ...
