Production of Ethyl Levulinate from Biomass‐Derived Carbohydrates and Food/Kitchen Waste Catalyzed by Cucurbit[6]uril‐Sulfate

Abstract

AbstractThe research on production of fuels and value‐added chemicals from sustainable feedstocks is of considerable significance. In this study, a solid acid, cucurbit[6]uril‐sulfate (Q[6]‐sulfate) was prepared as an efficient catalyst to produce ethyl levulinate (EL) from various feedstocks, including biomass‐derived carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), expired fructan‐probiotic granules and kitchen waste. Compared to homogeneous mineral/organic acids, the application of solid acid Q[6]‐sulfate reduced the acidic waste effluent and alleviated the corrosion of equipment. Q[6]‐sulfate exhibited higher catalytic efficiency than conventional sulfonic solid acids. After optimizing reaction conditions, EL yields of 97.3 %, 97.1 %, and 76.3 % were obtained from fructose, glucose, and sucrose, respectively. Furthermore, EL was successfully produced by the Q[6]‐sulfate‐catalyzed ethanolysis of expired fructan‐probiotic granules and kitchen waste, and maximum yields of 89.5 % and 43.7 % were obtained respectively. This work provides a sustainable route for the catalytic production of EL and the valorization of biomass‐derived carbohydrates and food/kitchen waste.