Microwave synthesis of alkyl levulinates using a Keggin heteropolyacid from the cellulose of Eichhornia crassipes

• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-024-06317-3
• Publication Date: 2025-02-13T09:09:41Z
• Authors: Andrés F. Monroy; Gerardo A. Caicedo; Hugo Rojas; Ángel Gabriel Sat...; Gustavo P. Romanelli; José J. Martínez

Abstract Alkyl levulinates were synthesized directly from cellulose derived from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) using a Keggin heteropolyacid under microwave-assisted hydrolysis. The pretreatment method to obtain cellulose was identified as a key factor to achieve higher yields of butyl levulinate. Hydrothermal pretreatment with H2SO4 resulted in the highest cellulose yield, with minimal hemicellulose and lignin content, the highest crystallinity index, and reduced water adsorption, all contributing to an increased yield of butyl levulinate. Additionally, the use of longer-chain alcohols, such as pentanol, further enhanced the yield, indicating that solvent polarity significantly impacts on alkyl levulinate production.