Direct conversion of biomass derived trioses such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and glyceraldehyde (GLA) to alkyl lactates was carried out using alcohols over various Y type zeolite materials. The conversion takes place through a pyruvic aldehyde intermediate which subsequently undergoes esterification. The screened catalysts can be grouped based on their ability to either form methylglyoxal dialkyl acetal or alkyl lactate. The discussed catalysis shows strong resemblance with the biological lactic acid synthesis routes where glyoxylases effect the reaction. Zeolites may therefore be considered as functional biomimics of these enzymes.
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