Catalytic upgrading of lactic acid to fuels and chemicals by dehydration/hydrogenation and C-C coupling reactions

Aqueous solutions of lactic acid can be catalytically processed over Pt(0.1%)/Nb(2)O(5) into a spontaneously-separating organic layer that can serve as source of valuable chemicals (propanoic acid and C(4)-C(7) ketones) and/or can be used to produce high energy-density liquid fuels (C(4)-C(7) alcohols). The niobia support plays a key role in the synthesis by catalyzing dehydration and C-C coupling reactions.