Hydrogenation of lactose for the production of lactitol

Abstract

AbstractBecause of its chemical structure, low‐cost production, and large‐scale production, lactose is a promising source for the production of sugar alcohols. Lactitol is the primary sugar alcohol derived from lactose through a set of chemical reactions known as catalytic hydrogenation. Reaction products are strongly dependent on the reaction conditions and catalyst type. The purpose of this review is to examine the production of lactitol through hydrogenation of lactose. Technological aspects of hydrogenation of lactose are examined, including primary and secondary reaction products, type of catalyst used, catalyst deactivation and regeneration, kinetic models, selectivity, and reaction mechanisms. Research in this area is not as advanced as enzymatic catalysis, and there are opportunities for further studies in the fields of reaction optimization and detailed characterization of products.