Recent advances on bifunctional catalysts for one-pot conversion of furfural to γ-valerolactone

gamma-Valerolactone (GVL) is one of the most valuable compounds derived from furfural (FAL), which has been industrially produced from agricultural byproducts like corn cobs. It is extremely challenging to synthesize GVL from FAL efficiently via a one-pot cascade reaction due to the need for multiple active sites in a single pot. By focusing on the aspects of one-pot synthesis of GVL from FAL, the authors aim to shed light on the rational design and utilization of environmentally friendly bifunctional catalysts with high efficiency in this reaction. Perspectives regarding future research opportunities in bi- or multi-functional catalysts for one-pot GVL synthesis are also discussed.

Automated summary

This article focuses on the one-pot synthesis of GVL from FAL, aiming to explore the rational design and utilization of environmentally friendly bifunctional catalysts with high efficiency in this reaction, as well as discussing future research opportunities in bi- or multi-functional catalysts for one-pot GVL synthesis.