Domino transformation of furfural to ?-valerolactone over SAPO-34 zeolite supported zirconium phosphate catalysts with tunable Lewis and Br?nsted acid sites

The economic and highly efficient synthesis of ?-valerolactone (GVL) is being increasingly focused due to its wide applications in solvent, chemical, and fuel. Herein, a range of SAPO-34 supported zirconium phosphate (ZPS-X) catalysts were prepared for a facile one-pot conversion of furfural (FF) to GVL through a series of cascaded reactions involving transfer hydrogenation, etherification, alcoholysis and esterification. The introduction of zirconium phosphate renders the formation of relatively strong Lewis acid sites, and the amount of Lewis (L) and Br?nsted (B) acid sites of ZPS-X catalysts could be modified by adjusting the molar ratio of Zr to P (Zr/P ratio). Specifically, ZPS-1.0 having an appropriate Zr/P ratio with relatively strong L acid sites exhibited superior activity and selectivity for the production of GVL from FF.

Automated summary

The study focuses on the economic and efficient synthesis of γ-valerolactone (GVL) for its wide applications. The introduction of zirconium phosphate in the catalyst led to the formation of strong Lewis acid sites, with ZPS-1.0 showing superior activity and selectivity for GVL production from furfural.