One‐Pot Selective Conversion of Hemicellulose (Xylan) to Xylitol under Mild Conditions

Something from nothing: Hemicellulose is selectively converted into valuable xylitol via a mild hydrogen transfer reaction, with a xylitol yield above 80 %. Instead of using high-pressure H2, isopropanol is used as hydrogen source in the presence of a Ru/C catalyst. Furthermore, a selective step-by-step conversion of hemicellulose and cellulose to different polyols in a one-pot process is described. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.