Efficient palladium catalysis for the upgrading of itaconic and levulinic acid to 2-pyrrolidones followed by their vinylation into value-added monomers

Abstract

Bio-based monomers are produced in a two-step process starting from common platform chemicals. The heterogeneously catalyzed reduction of bio-based acids into 2-pyrrolidones makes for a promising drop-in technology for the industrial NVP production.