| abstract |
Process for the production of sugars from biomass including at least one polysaccharide which comprises putting a biomass in contact with an aqueous solution of at least one organic acid selected from alkyl- or aryl- sulfonic acids having from C 7 to C 20 carbon atoms, preferably from C 9 to C 15 carbon atoms, or from halogenated carboxylic acids, at a temperature ranging from 80°C to 140°C, preferably from 100°C to 125°C. The sugars thus obtained can be advantageously used as carbon sources in fermentation processes for the production of alcohols (e.g., ethanol, butanol). Said alcohols can be advantageously used as automotive biofuels, or as components which can be added to automotive fuels. |