Abstract
Levulinate esters are bio-based molecules with wide industrial applications as solvents, flavorings, fragrances, diesel blend components, and plasticizers. The current study deals with the synthesis and characterization of a series of acidic mesoporous alumino-silicates (KIT-5, Al-KIT-5x (X = 20,10,5), and a hybrid organic-inorganic Al-KIT-5(20)-Pr-SO3H) and their application in the preparation of n-hexyl levulinate from xylose. The prepared catalysts were thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, ICP, and SEM. The best catalytic performance was achieved in the presence of Al-KIT-5(20)-Pr-SO3H, which is found to be a bi-functionalized Lewis/Bronsted acid catalyst. The yield of n-hexyl levulinate reached a maximum of 52% at 170 °C in only 7 h. Al-KIT-5(20)-Pr-SO3H represents not only excellent reusability over four successive runs but also shows simple separation from the reaction mixture.
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
