Glycerol conversion into acrolein

Fig. 8.2. Reaction sequences for the conversion of glycerol into acrolein by lactic bacteria...

It is generally accepted that this reaction involves the conversion of glycerol into acrolein and reduction of anthraquinone to anthrone, the latter undergoing the Aldol Condensation with acrolein. After that, the consecutive dehydration, cyclization, and oxidation afford the final product of benzanthrone. An illustration of the reaction mechanism is displayed here. 

Corma, A., Huber, G. W., Sauvanaud, L., and O Connor, P. Biomass to chemical Conversion of glycerol/water mixtures into acrolein. J. Catal, 257, 163 (2008). 

Conna A, Huber GW, Sauvanaud L, O Connor P. Biomass to chemicals catalytic conversion of glycerol/ water mixtures into acrolein, reaction network. J Catal 2008 257 163-71. 

---