8 - Production of γ-valerolactone and furfuryl alcohol via catalytic transfer hydrogenation

Abstract

The production of drop-in chemicals from biomass within the limits of process economics is always attractive for sustainable growth. Most of the biomass conversion processes involve hydrogenation reactions to produce value-added chemicals and fuels. Despite the products’ yields, the reaction parameters include high reaction temperatures, pressurized H2 reaction systems, and the need of noble metal catalysts could create intensive capital investments for hydrogenation reactions. To avoid or minimize these impediments, catalytic transfer hydrogenation seems to be a promising tool for up-grading biomass to desirable fuels and chemicals. It offers external H2-free process and the reactions can be performed at mild reaction conditions. In this chapter, the production of two important biomass-derived chemicals, namely γ-valerolactone (from levulinic acid or its esters) and furfuryl alcohol (from furfural) via catalytic transfer hydrogenation, is discussed. Various advanced catalytic materials and their design and features are also discussed and correlated with transfer hydrogenation activity.