One-pot cascade transformation of xylose into γ-valerolactone (GVL) over bifunctional Brønsted–Lewis Zr–Al-beta zeolite

The one-pot conversion of xylose into GVL in 2-propanol has been achieved over bifunctional Zr- and Al-containing beta zeolite catalysts, prepared via a post-synthetic route, possessing both Bronsted and Lewis functionalities. A GVL yield of 35 mol% was obtained at 190 °C after 48 h.