Abstract
AbstractA versatile and efficient catalyst for the hydrogenation of biomass‐derived levulinic acid to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) by using a RuCl3/polyethylene glycol (PEG‐400) /H2O catalyst system was developed. The catalysis system was also found to be active for the hydrogenation of levulinate ester. The present protocol proceeded with 99 % conversion and 99 % selectivity towards GVL without the formation of any side products. Remarkably, the reaction did not require sensitive phosphine ligands, a base, additives, or a co‐catalyst to promote the reaction. This method involved the use of environmentally benign PEG‐400 and water as a solvent, which is nontoxic, inexpensive, commercially available, nonflammable, and easy to handle. The RuCl3/PEG‐400/H2O catalyst system could be easily recycled and reused six times with high activity and selectivity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
