Cellulose could be efficiently converted into sorbitol in the presence of hydrogen and an extremely low phosphoric acid concentration over a magnetic catalyst. Effects of various process conditions toward the conversion efficiency were discussed in greater detail. X-ray powder diffraction analysis indicated the essential properties of prepared catalysts. A sorbitol yield of 68.07% was obtained at 488 K with a catalyst dosage of 20%. The experiments showed that Ni4.63Cu1Al1.82Fe0.79 sustained better activity after being reused 3 or 4 times.

Recently, research on the production and transformation of sorbitol has become exciting in chemical industry and in catalysis studies for its broad applications. It opens up a new path for achieving sustainable energy supply and chemicals production. Here we mainly review the catalytic routes for the synthesis of sorbitol and conversion of sorbitol into high value-added compounds such as lower alcohols, paraffins, isosorbide, and other derivatives. Meanwhile, some promising and valuable research directions are suggested based on the major challenges emerged in current research, such as the development of efficient magnetic catalysts, microwave heating, and other hydrogen sources.