Microwave-assisted reduction of levulinic acid with alcohols producing gamma-valerolactone in the presence of a Ru/C catalyst

摘要

gamma-Valerolactone can be synthesized by reduction of levulinic add and its esters in the presence of secondary alcohols as hydrogen donors and Ru/C as catalyst. The reaction rate increases when using microwave heating. Quantitative formation of gamma-valerolactone was observed within 25 min at 160 degrees C under microwave heating based on levulinic acid and i-propanol. The reaction appears to proceed via a dehydrogenation-hydrogenation sequence.

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