Efficient alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to n‐butyl levulinate catalyzed by 5‐sulfosalicylic acid

Abstract It is urgent to study the utilization of biomass energy to solve the environmental problems caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels. In this study, a rapid and efficient route for the conversion of furfuryl alcohol (FA) into n ‐butyl levulinate (BL) has been catalyzed by 5‐sulfosalicylic acid. The nearly complete conversion of FA and a considerable 99.7% selectivity of BL are obtained under the optimal conditions. Based on the experimental results, a possible mechanism for the alcoholysis of FA is proposed. The present study provided a promising way for alkyl levulinates synthesis over economical and environmentally benign catalysts.