Catalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Lignocellulose-Derived Levulinic Acid in Aqueous Solution: A Novel Route to Synthesize Dicarboxylic Acids for Bio-Based Polymers

The world is facing grand and ever-increasing pressures on energy and environmental issues. Using carbon-neutral biomass to prepare monomers such as dicarboxylic acids for degradable polymers is of great significance and an urgent but challenging task. Herein, we report a catalytic route for the synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-methylsuccinic acid, an excellent monomer: e.g., it is able to remarkably enhance the comprehensive properties of polybutylene succinate as shown herein. By catalytic aerobic oxidation of levulinic acid, a bulk platform chemical derived from lignocellulose, the target product was obtained with a very high selectivity of up to ca. 95%. The mild reaction conditions below 100 degrees C in water and the low-cost reusable heterogeneous catalyst further make the process highly attractive for applications. This process was also found to be effective for the conversion of homologues of levulinic acid to dicarboxylic acids. We studied the C-C bond rearrangement and the roles of catalysts in the reaction that are highly likely involved in a superoxide anion radical mechanism. This study may provide inspiration for the synthesis of bio-based dicarboxylic acids via alternative routes.

Automated summary

This study presents a catalytic route for the synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-methylsuccinic acid, an excellent monomer that enhances the properties of polybutylene succinate. The process involves catalytic aerobic oxidation of levulinic acid in mild conditions, resulting in a high selectivity of the target product. The study also explores the C-C bond rearrangement and the role of catalysts, potentially inspiring alternative routes for bio-based dicarboxylic acids synthesis.