12-Tungstophosphoric acid anchored to MCM-22, as a novel sustainable catalyst for the synthesis of potential biodiesel blend, levulinate ester

The present article demonstrates a synthesis of a green, novel and sustainable heterogeneous catalyst comprising 12-tungstophosphoric acid and zeolitic support-MCM-22. Detailed characterization of the catalyst was carried out using various physicochemical techniques and its catalytic activity was explored for the production of butyl levulinate, a potential fuel blend candidate. The comparison with other phosphotungstate based catalysts showcases the outstanding activity of the present catalyst towards esterification of levulinic acid at 90 degrees C with 68% conversion, 99% ester selectivity and TOF of 212 h(-1). Furthermore, it exhibits excellent reusability for multiple catalytic runs (six runs) and illustrates feasibility for the synthesis of varied levulinate esters (65-78% conversion) having a range of carbon chain lengths (C3-C8). (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article presents the synthesis of a green, novel, and sustainable heterogeneous catalyst and explores its catalytic activity for the production of butyl levulinate. The catalyst exhibits outstanding activity, excellent reusability, and the ability to synthesize levulinates with various carbon chain lengths.