Process for the preparation of sugar alcohols

摘要

Method (M) of hydrogenation of sugar(s) (I) to sugar alcohol(s) (II), comprises contacting at least one (I) with hydrogen in presence of a catalyst. Method of hydrogenation of sugar(s) (I) to sugar alcohol(s) (II), comprises contacting at least one (I) with hydrogen in presence of a catalyst. Catalyst is a monolithic supported catalyst obtained by: (a) successively heating and cooling a metal fabric or film carrier in air; (b) coating with active component (i.e. at least one Group VIII metal, optionally together with at least one Group I or VII transition metal) under vacuum; (c) cutting and shaping; and (d) processing to give the monolithic catalyst. An independent claim is also included for the synthesis of vitamin C, including the preparation of sorbitol from glucose by (M).