• CSIR - Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute
  • G20
Bio-based Fuels & Chemicals (other than seaweeds)

Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment

A process for the preparation of γ-valerolactone by catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid using Ru-based catalysts

  • IPR
    IPR Status & Details:
  • IN 2866DEL2014, WO 2016/056030, EP 3204366A1, US 10221149B2
Application/Uses/Problem being addressed

γ-valerolactone (Gvl), an attractive platform chemical, is used in the preparation of a variety of fuels, polymers and chemical intermediates and acts itself as a greener alternative solvent for various chemical transformations and is also reported as a good medium for the conversion of lignocellulose components.

Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact
  • Reactions under mild conditions (50-100 °C and 5-15 atm. H2) using heterogeneous catalysts in aqueous medium
  • 100% conversion of LA with excellent selectivity for Gvl (100%)
  • Shorter reaction time (2-30 min)
  • Use of lesser weight % of of Ru
  • No necessity of prior reduction of the active catalyst and is in situ generated
  • Active catalyst is recyclable
  • Requirement of nearly stoichiometric quantity of hydrogen thereby avoiding recycle operations
  • The active catalyst can be supported on inexpensive supports such as zeolites and LDHs for efficient recovery and reuse
    • TRL Level & Scale of Development:
    TRL 4

    LA hydrogenation to Gvl has been tested at 200 g scale with 100% conversion/selectivity

    Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.):

    As Gvl is renewable bio-derived liquid, it has tremendous scope for its utility as green high boiling solvent and also has properties as that of fuel additive. The scope is high at least few tens of thousands of tons. The most critical factor is availability of levulinic acid at competitive rates that would enable replacement of fossil-derived solvent/additive by Gvl. This would be a new market opportunity.

    Environmental Considerations:

    Gvl is renewable, easy and safe to store and move globally in large quantities.

    The invention process is eco-friendly; used aqueous medium as reaction solvent and the invention catalyst is recyclable.

    Status of Licensing:
    Not yet licensed
    Status of Commercialization:
    Not applicable
    Major Raw Materials Needed

    Levulinic acid and molecular hydrogen

    Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required
    • Hastelloy high pressure reactor
    • Hydrogen supply line
    • Filtration assembly
    Techno-Economics

    Tentative Price:

    Levulinic acid: ₹300-350/- Kg

    Molecular hydrogen: Depending on the source (approx. ₹250-500/Kg)

    γ-valerolactone: Rs. ₹500-550/- Kg (would be lesser if done on larger scale)

    Technology Package

    Know-how for process of GvL from LA; Demonstration of the process; Equipment necessary for pilot scale; License fee, royalty and other financial details are available on request.