Synthesis of alkyl levulinates <i>via</i> the esterification of levulinic acid and transesterification of methyl levulinate with alkyl alcohols over montmorillonite K10.

ABSTRACT: Alkyl levulinates are bio-based chemicals with great potential for application in the fields of energy and fine chemical synthesis. They are synthesized via the esterification of levulinic acid with the corresponding alkyl alcohols over Brønsted acid catalysts. Here, three types of commercially available, low-cost, and environmentally friendly layered clay minerals (montmorillonite K10, halloysite, and kaolinite) were applied to the esterification of levulinic acid with ethanol as heterogeneous Brønsted acid catalysts. This is because of their surface hydroxyl groups, which can function as Brønsted acid sites. The catalytic activity followed the order of montmorillonite K10 ≫ halloysite ≈ kaolinite ≈ blank (no catalyst). This was most likely attributable to the difference in the thi

SUBMITTER: Yamanaka N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12044522 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature