Preliminary insights into zeolite modifications for the conversion of dihydroxyacetone to esters

Abstract The research investigates the catalytic conversion of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in alcohol (methanol and ethanol) to obtain organic acid esters. The catalytic materials in this process are modified FAU‐type zeolite. The structure was modified using an aqueous NaOH solution and vanadium and molybdenum were incorporated. The catalysts have been characterized in terms of chemical composition, structure acidity, and textural properties. The catalytic tests indicate that the most selective material is the parent material – the hydrogen form of zeolite, which produces methyl lactate with 98.7% selectivity (97.0% yield) during the conversion of DHA in methanol. Ethyl acetate with 94.7% selectivity (89.8% yield) is produced using the vanadium form of zeolite during the conversion of DHA in ethanol.