Transfer Hydrogenation of Ethyl Levulinate to γ‐Valerolactone Catalyzed by Iron Complexes

Abstract Conversion of biomass‐derived ethyl levulinate to γ ‐valerolactone is realized by using homogeneous iron‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation (CTH). By utilizing Casey's catalyst and cheap isopropanol as hydrogen source, γ ‐valerolactone can be generated in 95% yield. Addition of catalytic amount of base is important to achieve good yield.