Catalytic Conversion of Glycerol to Lactic Acid: State of the Art and Prospects

Abstract

In this review article, recent trends in the catalytic processes for the synthesis of lactic acid from glycerol are systematized. Based on literature data, the mechanisms of glycerol conversion in the presence of bases and the oxidative conversion of glycerol are proposed. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are shown and prospects in the use of highly selective heterogeneous catalytic processes are discussed.