Valorization of biomass platform molecules through one-pot cascade processes using heterogeneous catalysts

The transformation of biomass derived platform molecules is an interesting approach to produce valuable chemicals from biomass. In addition, process intensification by reducing the number of steps for final chemicals production by performing cascade-type catalytic reactions in one-pot mode is largely desirable in a biorefinery facility. In this review the possibilities of valorization of representative platform molecules such as sugars, itaconic and levulinic acids and furanic aldehydes through one-pot cascade processes using mono and multifunctional heterogeneous catalysts are illustrated through selected examples.