Synthesis of γ-valerolactone using a continuous-flow reactor

Abstract

This study describes the heterogeneous catalysed continuous synthesis of γ-valerolactone (GVL) using a continuous-flow reactor, H-Cube® and H-Cube Pro™, equipped with 5% Ru/C, 10% Pd/C and RANEY® Ni CatCart®. The highest yield of GVL was achieved by using 5% Ru/C in the presence of 0.015 mol L−1 Bu-P(C6H4-m-SO3Na)2 ligand under 100 bar H2 at 100 °C.