Efficient alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to n-butyl levulinate catalyzed by 5-sulfosalicylic acid

It is urgent to study the utilization of biomass energy to solve the environmental problems caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels. In this study, a rapid and efficient route for the conversion of furfuryl alcohol (FA) into n-butyl levulinate (BL) has been catalyzed by 5-sulfosalicylic acid. The nearly complete conversion of FA and a considerable 99.7% selectivity of BL are obtained under the optimal conditions. Based on the experimental results, a possible mechanism for the alcoholysis of FA is proposed. The present study provided a promising way for alkyl levulinates synthesis over economical and environmentally benign catalysts.

Automated summary

The study highlights the urgent need to study the utilization of biomass energy to solve environmental problems caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels. By catalyzing the conversion of furfuryl alcohol to n-butyl levulinate using 5-sulfosalicylic acid, nearly complete conversion of furfuryl alcohol and high selectivity of n-butyl levulinate were achieved under optimal conditions. A possible mechanism for the alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol was proposed based on experimental results, providing a promising pathway for alkyl levulinates synthesis over economical and environmentally benign catalysts.