Abstract
1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is an underrated bio-based synthon, with a broad range ofreactivities. It is produced for the revalorization of glycerol, a major side-product of the growingbiodiesel industry. The overwhelming majority of DHA produced worldwide is intended for applicationas a self-tanning agent in cosmetic formulations. This review provides an overview of thediscovery, physical and chemical properties of DHA, and of its industrial production routes fromglycerol. Microbial fermentation is the only industrial-scaled route but advances in electrooxidationand aerobic oxidation are also reported. This review focuses on the plurality of reactivities of DHAto help chemists interested in bio-based building blocks see the potential of DHA for this application.The handling of DHA is delicate as it can undergo dimerization as well as isomerization reactions inaqueous solutions at room temperature. DHA can also be involved in further side-reactions, yieldingoriginal side-products, as well as compounds of interest. If this peculiar reactivity was harnessed,DHA could help address current sustainability challenges encountered in the synthesis of specialitypolymers, ranging from biocompatible polymers to innovative polymers with cutting-edge propertiesand improved biodegradability.