Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots: A Review on the Preparation of γ‐Valerolactone from Lignocellulose and Its Application in the Conversion of Lignocellulose

Abstract γ‐Valerolactone (GVL), derived from renewable lignocellulosic biomass, has been considered as a cost‐competitive and green platform chemical. With the increasingly prominent environmental problems, a deep understanding of the preparation and transformation of GVL is highly needed. Based on the latest progress made with GVL, preparation and applications of GVL are summarized and discussed in this Review. In particular, the state‐of‐the‐art in catalytic production of GVL is described based on the use of noble‐metal and non‐noble‐metal catalysts. The application of GVL for the valorization of lignocellulose would improve the yield of target products such as sugar monomers and furfural. Thus, GVL can be produced from lignocellulose and simultaneously it can also be used for the valorization of lignocellulose, just as in the sustainable and renewable cycle, “the falling leaves returns to their roots”. This Review is expected to provide valuable reference and new proposal for the further development and better utilization of GVL.