Heteropolyacid catalyzed direct transformation of biomass-derivable platform chemicals into alkyl levulinates

Abstract

Biomass, an abundant and sustainable feedstock, offers significant potential for reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing a circular economy. Sustainable biomass valorisation bids a viable solution to biomass disposal and attainment of ‘carbon neutrality’. The catalytic valorisation of biomass-derived intermediates is crucial for sustainable production of industrially significant bio-based chemicals. Among these, alkyl levulinates have garnered considerable attention as bio-derivable fuel additives and high-value fine chemicals. This study explores the selective synthesis of alkyl levulinates via heteropolyacid-catalyzed esterification of levulinic acid, achieving high yields within a short reaction time. Additionally, the direct conversion of carbohydrates demonstrated the feasibility of transforming glucose, fructose, and sucrose into ethyl levulinate, with yields of 34 ± 2 %, 32 ± 2 %, and 68 ± 2 %, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of carbohydrate feedstocks in sustainable catalytic transformations and establish heteropolyacids as efficient catalysts for biomass based ester production. In addition to esterification, the catalyst exhibited notable transesterification efficiency, underscoring its versatility.