Enhanced Production of Biomass‐Derived δ‐Valerolactone Through Coupled Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Pathways

δ‐Valerolactone (DVL) is a monomer with promising applications in the production of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. This study addresses, for the first time, a sustainable route for DVL production by coupling liquid‐phase furfural (FF) hydrogenation with 1,5‐pentanediol (1,5‐PDO) dehydrogenation, where FF acts as a hydrogen acceptor. In addition, the potential regeneration of 1,5‐PDO from FF, thereby contributing to the closure of the material cycle, is evaluated. For this purpose, Cu─Ni─Al hydrotalcites‐derived catalysts with varying Cu:Ni ratios were prepared. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization revealed that Cu:Ni ratio strongly influences the catalyst structure and the textural properties, significantly affecting the catalytic performance of the catalysts. Catalytic tests allowed for obtaining substrate conversion values above 90% and DVL yields over 65%, demonstrating that hydrogen‐transfer coupling significantly promotes DVL production under liquid‐phase conditions. Kinetic studies based on a simplified model provided preliminary estimates of the apparent activation energies of 120 kJ mol −1 for FF hydrogenation and 80 kJ mol −1 for 1,5‐PDO dehydrogenation, highlighting the potential of dual catalytic systems for biomass valorization and the production of sustainable monomers under liquid‐phase conditions.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
ChemSusChem
Published
2026-10-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.71181
Primary Topic
Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Enhanced Production of Biomass‐Derived δ‐Valerolactone Through Coupled Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Pathways

Jovita Moreno, Stevie H. Lima, Alicia Garcı́a, Rafael Mariscal et al.
5 links
ChemSusChem
Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
article

Enhanced Production of Biomass‐Derived δ‐Valerolactone Through Coupled Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Pathways

Jovita Moreno, Stevie H. Lima, Alicia Garcı́a, Rafael Mariscal, José Iglesias, M. Macías-Villasevil, Beatriz García, Virginia de Blas-Sánchez
article en

Abstract

δ‐Valerolactone (DVL) is a monomer with promising applications in the production of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. This study addresses, for the first time, a sustainable route for DVL production by coupling liquid‐phase furfural (FF) hydrogenation with 1,5‐pentanediol (1,5‐PDO) dehydrogenation, where FF acts as a hydrogen acceptor. In addition, the potential regeneration of 1,5‐PDO from FF, thereby contributing to the closure of the material cycle, is evaluated. For this purpose, Cu─Ni─Al hydrotalcites‐derived catalysts with varying Cu:Ni ratios were prepared. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization revealed that Cu:Ni ratio strongly influences the catalyst structure and the textural properties, significantly affecting the catalytic performance of the catalysts. Catalytic tests allowed for obtaining substrate conversion values above 90% and DVL yields over 65%, demonstrating that hydrogen‐transfer coupling significantly promotes DVL production under liquid‐phase conditions. Kinetic studies based on a simplified model provided preliminary estimates of the apparent activation energies of 120 kJ mol −1 for FF hydrogenation and 80 kJ mol −1 for 1,5‐PDO dehydrogenation, highlighting the potential of dual catalytic systems for biomass valorization and the production of sustainable monomers under liquid‐phase conditions.

ChemSusChemVol. 19(20)
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (ES), Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica (ES)
Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon