Liquid Phase Hydrogenation of Methyl Levulinate over Supported Ruthenium Metal Catalyst

摘要

Low-temperature hydrogenation of methyl levulinate was studied over a graphite-supported ruthenium catalyst. Methyl levulinate introduced was completely hydrogenated and 65 % yield of methyl 4-hydroxyvalerate and 35 % yield of γ-valerolactone were obtained at neat condition at 343 K. The yield of γ-valerolactone did not increase with an increase in reaction time. The addition of water and levulinic acid enhanced the initial hydrogenation rate and final γ-valerolactone yield. More than 99 % conversion to γ-valerolactone was obtained over the graphite-supported ruthenium catalyst at 363 K by the addition of water and levulinic acid.