Efficient catalytic hydrogenation of alkyl levulinates to gamma-valerolactone

Author(s)

Padilla, Rosa ^[1] ; Jorgensen, Mike S. B. ^[1] ; Paixao, Marcio W. ^[2] ; Nielsen, Martin ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Tech Univ Denmark, Dept Chem, Kemitorvet 207, DK-2800 Lyngby - Denmark

^[2] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Ctr Res Sustainable Chem CERSusChem, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GREEN CHEMISTRY; v. 21, n. 19, p. 5195-5200, OCT 7 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Efficient hydrogenations of neat alkyl levulinates to gamma-valerolactone were achieved with low catalyst loadings of either PNP Ru or Ir complexes, respectively, in the presence of a small amount of a base at low temperature and H-2 pressure. Quantitative conversions and TONs reaching 9300 were achieved. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of the system to perform several cycles. Finally, deuterium labelling and NMR studies provide insight into the reaction mechanism. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/12622-4 - Asymmetric Counteranion-Directed Organocatalysis: Synthesis of Heterocyclic Systems and Peptides Functionalization
• Grantee: Márcio Weber Paixão
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• FAPESP's process: 14/50249-8 - Green chemistry: sustainable synthetic methods employing benign solvents, safer reagents, and bio-renewable feedstock
• Grantee: Arlene Gonçalves Corrêa
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 15/17141-1 - Development and Mechanism Studies of New Synthetic Methodologies for the Synthesis of Bioactive Compounds.
• Grantee: Ricardo Samuel Schwab
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants