Domino Reaction Catalyzed by Zeolites with Brønsted and Lewis Acid Sites for the Production of γ‐Valerolactone from Furfural

Abstract

Take the straight path: Furfural was converted into γ-valerolactone (GVL) through sequential transfer-hydrogenation and hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by zeolites with Lewis and Brønsted acid sites (see picture). Together, Zr-Beta and Al-MFI nanosheets generated GVL in 78 % yield without the use of precious metals or molecular H2. This system offers an attractive streamlined strategy for the production of GVL from biomass-derived molecules.