Hydrogenation of levulinic acid to y-valerolactone using a homogeneous titanium catalyst at mild conditions

A titanium-based catalytic system using the commercially available titanocene complex [Cp2TiCl2], was developed for hydrogenation of levulinic acid to y-valerolactone (GVL), using mild reaction conditions (100 & DEG;C and 100 psi) and excellent yields (> 99 %). Key mechanistic insights, including the main species involved in the catalytic cycle, are also documented.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A titanium-based catalytic system using a commercially available titanocene complex was developed for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to y-valerolactone. The method achieved excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Key mechanistic insights into the main species involved in the catalytic cycle were also documented.