The deoxydehydration (DODH) reaction remains one of the most efficient methods of reducing the oxygen content of biomass while keeping important functionality in place. This reaction is traditionally catalysed by high-valent oxo-rhenium species. Recent research into heterogeneous rhenium-based catalysts for DODH demonstrates their ability to rival and in some cases surpass their homogeneous counterparts. Furthermore, catalysts based on the metals molybdenum and vanadium show great potential as inexpensive alternatives to rhenium catalysts. In this Minireview, we detail the recent developments within the field of DODH with particular emphasis on discoveries outside the realms of rhenium.
Keywords: biomass; deoxydehydration; polyols; sustainable chemistry.
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