US Patent 8222463 Process for generation of polyols from saccharide containing feedstock

A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one metal component with an oxidation state greater than or equal to 2+.