Conversion of levulinic acid to levulinate ester biofuels by heterogeneous catalysts in the presence of acetals and ketals

• Alkyl orthoformates and acetals promote esterification of levulinic acid. Reaction proceeds through formation a pseudo lactone intermediate. Inexpensive commercial catalysts are highly effective in levulinate ester formation. Highly acidic selectively produce products. Moderately nanoporous silicates the lactone. The acid under conditions to esters is current significant interest due potential these compounds as fuels fuel additives. While number bespoke heterogeneous have been reported be for this transformation, use widely available has generally proved ineffective, with only low conversions products being achieved. Herein, we report novel strategy efficient synthesis from presence trialkyl or dialkyl ketals catalyzed by catalysts, such ZSM-5 Amberlyst-15. These reactions proceed mild short reaction times high yields esters.