Production of bio-derived ethyl lactate on GaUSY zeolites prepared by post-synthetic galliation

Galliation of USY zeolites in alkaline media creates tetra-coordinated Lewis-acid centres linked to the framework which display outstanding selectivity in the isomerisation of dihydroxyacetone to ethyl lactate and full reusability. This simple and affordable post-synthetic route enables to tune the amount of Lewis acidity in the zeolite and has great potential for application in related biomass conversions.