Involvement of heterogeneous catalysts as promoters of carbohydrate conversions, in synergy with microwaves as the heating source, is reported. This paper deals with the application of ion-exchange resins, zeolites, clays and metal oxides as convenient mediators for key transformations of carbohydrates. A special emphasis is placed on the use of (doped) mineral supports, in solventless conditions, as clean promoters in combination with microwave dielectric heating. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.