Hydroxyapatite as a novel support for Ru in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone

• Ca5(PO4)3(OH) as a support for Ru, Pt, Pd and Ni in hydrogenation of levulinic acid
• Rate of γ-valerolactone is very high over Ru/Ca5(PO4)3(OH).
• Ru/Ca5(PO4)3(OH) can be used for four cycles with consistent yields.

Metal catalysts (Ru, Pt, Pd, Ni) supported on hydroxyapatite (HAP) were examined for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone. Among these Ru supported on HAP exhibited 99% yield of γ-valerolactone at 70 °C and 0.5 MPa H2 pressure. The Ru/HAP catalyst was characterized by various adsorption and spectroscopic techniques. The Ru/HAP catalyst was quite stable up to four recycles.

Ru/HAP catalyst has been identified as an efficient catalyst for the conversion of biomass derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone at low temperature and pressure using H2O as a solvent. This method provides general approach to γ-valerolactone synthesis which can replace ethanol in the petrol and in the production of jet fuels.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide