Simultaneous formation of sorbitol and gluconic acid from cellobiose using carbon-supported ruthenium catalysts

A carbon-supported Ru catalyst, Ru/BP2000, is able to simultaneously convert cellobiose into sorbitol and gluconic acid. This reaction occurs as the result of hydrolytic disproportionation in water at 393 K under an Ar atmosphere, without bases or sacrificial reagents. In-situ XANES measurements suggest that the active Ru species involved is composed of partially oxidized Ru metal.