One-pot multi-step synthesis of gamma-valerolactone from furfuryl alcohol: Microwave vs continuous flow reaction studies

Mesoporous materials Al-SBA-15 have been synthesized and functionalized with different Al/Zr molar ratio and 0.5% Au and Ru, respectively, by a mechanochemical approach. Textural and structural properties of synthesized materials have been analysed by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and N2 adsorption/desorption technique, among others. The catalytic activity of synthesized materials has been evaluated in the one-pot conversion of furfuryl alcohol (FAL) employing 2-propanol as H-donor solvent to obtain & gamma;-valerolactone (GVL), both under microwave-assisted irradiation (CEM Discover & REG; 2.0) and continuous flow conditions (Phoenix Flow ReactorTM, ThalesNano). All materials displayed conversions up to 99%, with a GVL selectivity of ca. 20-41% after one-hour reaction time. The study of the reusability of the materials showed a good GVL production during 3 reaction cycles employing both microwave-assisted and flow reaction conditions.