Gamma-valerolactone, a sustainable platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass

Lignocellulosic biomass typically contains more than 50 wt% sugars that can be upgraded to valuable platform molecules, such as levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL). This article focuses on upgrading GVL produced from lignocellulosic biomass to various chemicals and fuels, such as polym...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Green chemistry : an international journal and green chemistry resource : GC 2013-01, Vol.15 (3), p.584-595
Main Authors: Alonso, David Martin, Wettstein, Stephanie G, Dumesic, James A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative fuels. Production and utilization
Applied sciences
Chemical industry and chemicals
Energy
Exact sciences and technology
Fuels
Industrial chemicals
Miscellaneous
Organic industry
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Summary:Lignocellulosic biomass typically contains more than 50 wt% sugars that can be upgraded to valuable platform molecules, such as levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL). This article focuses on upgrading GVL produced from lignocellulosic biomass to various chemicals and fuels, such as polymers, fuel additives, and jet fuel. We also review the use of GVL as a solvent for biomass processing, which led to significant improvements in product yields and a more simplified process for producing biomass-derived chemicals such as LA, furfural, and hydroxymethylfurfural. Gamma-valerolactone is a promising platform molecule derived from biomass that can be upgraded to both chemicals and fuels. Gamma-valerolactone production is closely linked to levulinic acid, which can be obtained from C 6 and C 5 sugars derived from lignocellulosic biomass.
ISSN:1463-9262
1463-9270
DOI:10.1039/c3gc37065h