Graphene-promoted acetalisation of glycerol under acid-free conditions

Serendipity led us to unveil unexpected and uncovered properties of graphene for the acetalisation of glycerol with both aldehydes and ketones, furnishing an acid-free process for fuel bio-additive candidates. Mechanistic studies ruled out the intervention of residual acidic species or metallic cations at the surface of graphene, and therefore, the peculiar electronic properties of graphene are most probably responsible for this unforeseen reactivity. Recycling studies revealed the robustness of graphene under the experimental conditions since only a marginal erosion of the reaction yield was observed after six cycles.