Assessment of ion exchange resins as catalysts for the direct transformation of fructose into butyl levulinate

• Butyl levulinate synthesis from fructose in aqueous 1-butanol is feasible at moderate temperature on ion-exchange resins. Gel-type resins with low crosslinking degree are suitable to catalyze the production of butyl D-fructose. An indicator humins formation fact that amount formic acid higher than levulinic acid. A relationship between activity and their morphology a swollen state found. The transformation into (initial molar ratio 1-butanol/fructose 79, butanol/water 1.19) has been studied discontinuous reactor 80?120 °C 2.0 MPa over 8 sulfonic polystyrene-DVB ion exchange as catalysts (catalyst loading 0.85–3.4 %). Resins swell greatly reaction medium takes place mainly gel-phase. Swollen water have characterized by analysis ISEC data, spaces originated gel phase upon swelling described terms zones different polymer density. found ester production. density show highest yield. Dowex 50Wx2 was most effective because it creates largest widest gel-phase when swelling. Consequently, better accommodates proton-transfer-reaction mechanisms.