Gas Phase Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone.

The gas phase hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over copper and ruthenium based catalysts in a continuous fixed-bed reactor system was investigated. Among the catalysts a copper oxide based one [50-75 % CuO, 20-25 % SiO, 1-5 % graphite, 0.1-1 % CuCO/Cu(OH)] gave γ-valerolactone in 93 % yield for more than 90 h constant operation. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]