Synthesis of Alkyl Levulinates from a-Angelica Lactone Using Methanesulfonic Acid as a Catalyst: A Sustainable and Solvent-Free Route

Silva, Luciana; Xavier, Nuno; Rauter, Amélia; Galhano dos Santos, Rui

Key information

Authors:

Silva, Luciana (Luciana Barbosa da Silva); Xavier, Nuno; Rauter, Amélia; Galhano dos Santos, Rui

Published in

10/10/2024

Abstract

Abstract In the present study, a green and readily effective route is presented, using for the first time, methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as a catalyst to produce alkyl levulinates (ALs) via the addition of alcohols to α-angelica lactone (α-AL). A smooth procedure was developed that resulted in the production of high-purity ALs, with complete conversions and high yields (99.1–99.8%), within 20 to 60 min of reaction in the presence of 0.5 mol% MSA. The reactions were carried out solvent-free, at room temperature, and in atmospheric air. Reaction conditions were optimized, and equimolar amounts of alcohol reagent were used. This work presents the main advantages of the use of a catalyst (MSA) that is low cost, easily biodegradable, and does not release toxic gases into the environment, but has an acidic strength comparable to that of other mineral acids. Therefore, this study proves the remarkable efficiency of MSA as a catalyst in the synthesis of ALs through an economically and environmentally favorable route.

Publication details

Authors in the community:

Luciana Barbosa da Silva
ist428390
In: cienciavitae
ID: 4226239

Publication version

VoR - Version of Record

Title of the publication container

ChemEngineering

First page or article number

103

Volume

8

Issue

5

ISSN

2305-7084

DOI

10.3390/chemengineering8050103

Fields of Science and Technology (FOS)

chemical-sciences - Chemical sciences

Publication language (ISO code)

eng - English

Alternative identifier (URI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8050103

Rights type:

Open access