Production of gamma-valerolactone from biomass-derived levulinate esters over ZrO₂ catalyst supported on mesoporous silica

Abstract

Levulinate esters, intermediate compounds produced by solvolysis of sugars, can be converted to γ-valerolactone (GVL) via a catalytic transfer hydrogenation and the subsequent intramolecular dealcoholization reactions. ZrO₂ catalysts supported on mesoporous silicas exhibited superior catalytic activities and reusabilities compared with the conventional bulk ZrO₂ catalyst. Based on several characterization techniques, activity-structure relationships and the associated reaction mechanism were investigated.