Reactive Extraction of Levulinate Esters and Conversion to γ‐Valerolactone for Production of Liquid Fuels

Abstract

Reactive extraction of cellulose-derived levulinic and formic acids with butene is utilized to obtain levulinate and formate esters, thereby allowing for recovery and recycle of H2SO4. The esters are converted over a dual-catalyst-bed system to GVL and 2-butanol, followed by production of butene to be recycled for reactive extraction and to be converted to liquid fuels by oligomerization.