Vapour phase hydrogenation of aqueous levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over CuZnAlO hydrotalcite

Abstract

Vapour phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone has been accomplished in aqueous phase over copper-zinc-aluminum hydrotalcite, prepared by co-precipitation method using nitrate salts as their precursors. The hydrotalcite system exhibits superior activity in the hydrogenation and cyclization of 10% aqueous solution of levulinic acid with >99% selectivity for γ-valerolactone at 275 ^oC under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen (flow rate of H₂-30 mL/min).