Highly efficient production of 2,3-pentanedione from condensation of bio-derived lactic acid over polymorphic ZrO2.

The demand for fermentation-based chemicals is expected to grow in the coming years because of the increasing emphasis on using bio-based chemicals over petrochemicals. Growing crude oil prices and rising concerns about carbon discharge are the main reasons pushing the shift toward bio-based chemicals. 2,3-Pentanedione is one such high-value fine chemical that is currently produced in smaller quantities through a multi-stage chemical synthesis or extracted from milk waste. Here we report a green route to produce 2,3–pentanedione directly from vapour-phase condensation of crude lactic acid over polymorphic ZrO₂. The catalyst exhibits high selectivity, activity and stability for the direct condensation of raw lactic acid to 2,3-pentanedione and achieved 99.7% LA conversion and 95.5% selectivity at 325 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]