Conversion of carbohydrates to methyl levulinate catalyzed by sulfated montmorillonite

•The sulfated MMT catalysts were synthesized through a simple impregnation method.•The sulfate groups promote the amount of strong acid sites and the acidic amount.•The 20-SO42 −/MTT exhibits the best performance for the conversion of glucose to ML.•The layers of MMT were damaged when the concentration of sulfuric acid is 30 wt.%.

We reported a highly efficient conversion of carbohydrates such as glucose to methyl levulinate (ML) in methanol with a series of sulfated montmorillonite (MMT) as simple and inexpensive catalysts. Among these catalysts, the MMT treated by H2SO4 after calcination (especially the MMT treated by 20% H2SO4) showed a high catalytic activity. Under the optimal conditions, the conversion of glucose and fructose was up to 100%, and the ML yields obtained from glucose and fructose were 48% and 65%, respectively. The reaction conditions were optimized. Further, the structure and properties of sulfated MMT were characterized.

Graphical abstractWe reported a highly efficient conversion of carbohydrates such as glucose to methyl levulinate (ML) in methanol with a series of sulfated montmorillonite (MMT) as an affordable and easily prepared solid acid catalyst.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide