1,3‐Propanediol, an Exemplary Bio‐Renewable Organic Platform Chemical

Abstract This opinionated review underlines the increasing production of 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) by whole cell biocatalytic fermentation of biomass and highlights how production has transitioned from petrochemicals to bio‐renewables. Current uses of 1,3‐PDO are listed. Some future prospects for evolving the current technology and expanding the chemical uses of 1,3‐PDO are discussed, with emphasis on catalytic and atom efficient chemistries. Lessons from the success of biomass derived 1,3‐PDO are noted that may be applied to other bio‐based organic platform chemicals.