CATALYTIC CONVERSION OF D-GLUCOSE INTO SORBITOL AND GLUCONIC ACID

The catalytic oxidation of D-glucose into sorbitol and gluconic acid is a significant biochemical process that has both industrial relevance and implications for metabolic pathways. This article explores the mechanisms, types of catalysts, and conditions that promote this transformation, offering insights to enhance yield and efficiency. Dglucose is a multifunctional monosaccharide that is crucial in numerous biochemical and industrial functions. Two key derivatives of D-glucose, sorbitol and gluconic acid, find extensive application in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. Sorbitol serves as a sugar alcohol utilized for its sweetness and moisture-retaining properties, while gluconic acid acts as a vital intermediate in chemical synthesis and is a precursor for producing a range of valuable chemicals. The transformation of D-glucose into sorbitol and gluconic acid entails various catalytic processes, with multiple catalyst types (homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biocatalysts) employed to attain elevated yields and specific product distributions. Each catalytic method presents distinct advantages and obstacles that are essential to address for optimizing these transformations in industrial contexts.