Efficient, solvent-free hydrogenation of α-angelica lactone catalysed by Ru/C at atmospheric pressure and room temperature

The hydrogenation of α-angelica lactone was investigated over Ru/C. A mild protocol was developed, which resulted in full conversion and 96% selectivity toward γ-valerolactone. The reaction network was investigated and α-angelica lactone was employed in the one-pot conversion into 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, demonstrating its superiority as a platform molecule in potential biorefinery schemes.