Exploring the ruthenium catalysed synthesis of γ-valerolactone in alcohols and utilisation of mild solvent-free reaction conditions

Levulinic acid and alkyl-levulinates have been hydrogenated using a range of supported catalysts. The different reaction outcomes obtained in alternate solvents have been rationalized and the influence of varying catalyst supports examined. A range of solvent free conditions have been investigated with complete LA conversion obtained at temperatures as low as 25 degrees C.