Evaluation of acetal and levulinate production: from synthesis possibilities to separation

Abstract

The production of biofuels and their additives represents alternatives to the use of fossil fuels. Levulinates (LEV) derived from cellulose and acetals (ACET) derived from hemicellulose are incorporated into fuels due to their physicochemical properties. However, large-scale production requires an understanding of the respective production processes, which necessitates scientific studies. Therefore, this review aims to discuss recent updates based on theoretical foundations regarding (i) the application of these compounds as fuel additives according to their physicochemical characteristics, (ii) the reuse of raw materials and market potential, (iii) elucidation of catalytic pathways and applied catalysts, and (iv) the use of chemical process simulators in biomass conversion routes to desired products. From the literature review, reactive systems with 90% conversion associated with the separation of target components were considered as possible scenarios, such as simulating solketal production, homologous reaction to esterification and acetalization processes.