Mesoporous Zr–SBA-16 catalysts for glycerol valorization processes: towards biorenewable formulations

Abstract

Zr-containing SBA-16 materials were utilized in glycerol valorization for the production of esters (via reaction with levulinic acid) and glycerol formal (GF) via acetalisation with paraformaldehyde. The materials were found to be highly active and selective for the production of valuable compounds from glycerol using benign by design solventless protocols which employ mild reaction conditions. Certain materials were also found to be highly reusable and stable under the investigated conditions.