ABSTRACT
The use of biomass as a renewable source for the production of biobased synthons is an interesting approach to provide green—and sometimes non-toxic—alternatives to fossil-based (macro)chemicals. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer, followed by lignins, and is present in woods as well as many plants and crops. Among the different synthons that can be produced from cellulose, levoglucosenone is probably one of the most valuable due to its chirality and its three functional groups that allow a wide range of potential (bio)chemical transformations. In this chapter, we will describe the current ways to produce levoglucosenone and how it can be transformed into sustainable solvents, chemicals, polymers, and materials, with a special emphasis on green chemical and biotechnological processes.
