Conversion of Cellobiose Into Glucose At near-Neutral pH Using a Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst

Strong acids under severe reaction conditions are known to rapidly hydrolyze cellulose with moderate selectivity towards glucose; however, enzymes in nature convert saccharides into glucose at higher selectivity using mild conditions dictated by carboxylate acids/carboxylate bases at the active site. Recently we have demonstrated the production of glucose from cellobiose at mild pH and temperature in a homogeneous system, but this system was not recyclable and also is dependent on trace amounts of metals. Herein, we demonstrate the conversion of cellobiose and other oligosaccharides into glucose using a mildly acidic heterogeneous catalyst. We also will also present adsorption results demonstrating the interaction among the surface of the material and various sugars.