Selective transformation of hemicellulose (xylan) into n-pentane, pentanols or xylitol over a rhenium-modified iridium catalyst combined with acids

Abstract

<italic>n</italic>-Pentane (yield 70%), pentanols (32%) or xylitol (79%) can be produced from xylan by using an Ir–ReO_x/SiO₂ catalyst combined with acids.