Cu-Based Catalysts Show Low Temperature Activity for Glycerol Conversion to Lactic Acid

Cu based catalysts with a base promoter are reported for the first time for the synthesis of lactic acid from glycerol without using either a reductant or an oxidant. The catalytic route presented here gives high yields at lower temperatures (473 K) and lower molar NaOH/glycerol ratios (1.5) compared to the known hydrotherrnal (553-573 K) route. Further, the Cu2O catalyst shows excellent recyclability.