Catalytic dehydrogenation of reducing sugars in alkaline solution

Aldoses in alkaline medium under the catalytic action of platinum or rhodium are converted into aldonic acids with high selectivity and with concomitant evolution of hydrogen gas. The dehydrogenation reaction has been studied for 25 different mono- and di-saccharides, and is generally applicable for reducing sugars. The influence of several reaction variables has been studied, leading to an adsorption model in which both the negatively charged O-1 and the close contact of H-1 with the catalyst surface are considered to be driving forces for the transfer of hydride from C-1 of the sugar to the catalyst.