Synthesis of γ‐Valerolactone from Carbohydrates and its Applications

Abstract

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is a valuable chemical intermediate that can be obtained by catalytic reduction of levulinic acid (LA) or alkyl levulinates (AL). There are many reports on the synthesis of GVL from LA or AL. However, the demand for the large-scale synthesis of GVL requires more environmentally friendly and cost-effective production processes. This article focuses on the recent advance in the synthesis of GVL from carbohydrates or lignocellulosic biomass. In addition, application of GVL as the reaction solvents, fuel additives, and as precursor for the synthesis of jet fuel and polymer monomers is also discussed.

Engineering UiO‐66 Metal Organic Framework for Heterogeneous Catalysis

“…[53] One of the ways to overcome these issues associated to the harsh reaction conditions needed for hydrogenation of carbonylic groups is the development of new catalysts for the CTH reaction using alcohols as hydrogen donors for this reaction. [53] One of the ways to overcome these issues associated to the harsh reaction conditions needed for hydrogenation of carbonylic groups is the development of new catalysts for the CTH reaction using alcohols as hydrogen donors for this reaction.…”

Making Levulinic Acid and Ethyl Levulinate Economically Viable: A Worldwide Technoeconomic and Environmental Assessment of Possible Routes

“…GVL is economically viable when it is considered to be a substitute for ethyl acetate as a solvent. It has a higher solvating power and a lower vapor pressure than those of other solvents and can be used as a monomer for polyester polymers . Research into further applications of LA is still underway.…”

Phase‐Dependent Stability and Substrate‐Induced Deactivation by Strong Metal‐Support Interaction of Ru/TiO2 Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid

“…Two platform molecules of particular potential are biomass‐derived levulinic acid (LA) and γ‐valerolactone (GVL), both of which received much attention given their relative ease of synthesis and manifold potential applications ,. Indeed, LA can be obtained in one step from lignocellulosic biomass by a simple hydrolysis process and can be converted to GVL in another single step, with GVL finding possible application as a green solvent, food additive and as intermediate for the production of bulk polymers and advanced biofuels ,…”