Conversion of saccharides into formic acid using hydrogen peroxide and a recyclable palladium(ii) catalyst in aqueous alkaline media at ambient temperatures

Abstract

We have developed an effective method that converts a variety of mono- and disaccharides into formic acid predominantly. Our recyclable NHC-amidate palladium(II) catalyst facilitated oxidative degradation of carbohydrates without using excess oxidant. Stoichiometric amounts of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide were employed at ambient temperatures.