The conversion of lignocellulosics to levulinic acid

TLDR

Biomass is an abundant, low‑cost carbon resource that can be converted into platform chemicals such as levulinic acid, but current processing technologies limit cost‑effective commercial production, and improving yield requires optimizing intermediate isolation and minimizing side reactions. This review aims to outline the chemistry of levulinic acid synthesis and evaluate current and emerging technologies for producing it from lignocellulosics. The authors examine how microwave irradiation, ionic liquids, selective catalysts, and biphasic or continuous extraction systems can enhance reaction rates, yields, and product quality in levulinic acid production. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract Biomass represents an abundant and relatively low cost carbon resource that can be utilized to produce platform chemicals such as levulinic acid. Current processing technology limits the cost‐effective production of levulinic acid in commercial quantities from biomass. The key to improving the yield and efficiency of levulinic acid production from biomass lies in the ability to optimize and isolate the intermediate products at each step of the reaction pathway and reduce re‐polymerization and side reactions. New technologies (including the use of microwave irradiation and ionic liquids) and the development of highly selective catalysts would provide the necessary step change for the optimization of key reactions. A processing environment that allows the use of biphasic systems and/or continuous extraction of products would increase reaction rates, yields and product quality. This review outlines the chemistry of levulinic acid synthesis and discusses current and potential technologies for producing levulinic acid from lignocellulosics. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd