Abstract
This chapter presents new data regarding the oxidation of levulinic acid (4-oxopentanoic acid), which can be considered as one of the most significant cellulose-derived compounds. The various synthetic applications of these procedures for the preparation of fine-chemicals and commodities are also discussed, with particular attention on the reactions that use homogeneous and heterogeneous rhenium catalysts. Such systems are able to activate hydrogen peroxide under mild experimental conditions causing selective oxidation chemistries.