Bio-Based Key Molecules as Chemical Feedstocks

World biomass production amounts to 120,000 million ton per annum [1], of which some 20% is being cultivated, harvested, and used (food, feed, and nonfood). Human consumption ranges from 6% (South America) to 80% (South Central Asia). A recent joint effort of 18 groups worldwide arrives at 123 billion ton of —xed carbon annually [1a]. Tropical forest and savannahs account for 60% of this amount.