Progress in synthesis of dihydroxyacetone from glycerol

The recent progress and development of the synthesis of dihydroxyacetone from glycerol are reviewed.The research status of the microbial conversion,direct catalytic oxidation and indirect oxidation of glycerol are introduced.The influences of catalysts and reaction conditions on the selectivity and yield of dihydroxyacetone in the catalytic oxidation of glycerol are remarked.The separation and purification of dihydroxyacetone is summarized.The pending problems and the prospects for the conversion of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone are stated.