Highly Efficient Ru-Based Catalysts for Lactic Acid Conversion to Alanine

The primary objective of this research was to develop efficient solid catalysts that can directly convert the lactic acid (LA) obtained from lignocellulosic biomass into alanine (AL) through a reductive amination process. To achieve this, various catalysts based on ruthenium were synthesized using different carriers such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), beta-zeolite, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Among these catalysts, Ru/MNP demonstrated a remarkable yield of 74.0% for alanine at a temperature of 200 °C. This yield was found to be superior not only to the Ru/CNT (55.7%) and Ru/BEA (6.6%) catalysts but also to most of the previously reported catalysts. The characterization of the catalysts and their catalytic results revealed that metallic ruthenium nanoparticles, which were highly dispersed on the external surface of the magnetic carrier, significantly enhanced the catalyst's ability for dehydrogenation. Additionally, the -NH2 basic sites on the catalyst further facilitated the formation of alanine by promoting the adsorption of acidic reactants. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily separated using an external magnetic field and exhibited the potential for multiple reuses without any significant loss in its catalytic performance. These practical advantages further enhance its appeal for applications in the reductive amination of lactic acid to alanine.

Functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation

Functionalised heterogeneous catalysts show great potentials for efficient valorisation of renewable biomass to value-added chemicals and high-energy density fuels.

Nb-Based Zeolites: Efficient bi-Functional Catalysts for the One-Pot Synthesis of Succinic Acid from Glucose

The one-pot production of succinic acid from glucose was investigated in pure hot water as solvent using Nb (0.02 and 0.05 moles%)-Beta zeolites obtained by a post-synthesis methodology. Structurally, they are comprised of residual framework Al-acid sites, extra-framework isolated Nb (V) and Nb₂O₅ pore-encapsulated clusters. The Nb-modified Beta-zeolites acted as bi-functional catalysts in which glucose is dehydrated to levulinic acid (LA) which, further, suffers an oxidation process to succinic acid (SA). After the optimization of the reaction conditions, that is, at 180 °C, 18 bar O₂, and 12 h reaction time, the oxidation of glucose occurred with a selectivity to succinic acid as high as 84% for a total conversion.

Graphene oxide as a catalyst for the diastereoselective transfer hydrogenation in the synthesis of prostaglandin derivatives

Modification of GO by organic molecules changes its catalytic activity in the hydrogen transfer from i-propanol to enones, affecting the selectivity to allyl alcohol and diastereoselectivity to the resulting stereoisomers.

Unprecedented Catalytic Wet Oxidation of Glucose to Succinic Acid Induced by the Addition of n-Butylamine to a Ru(III) Catalyst

A new pathway for the catalytic wet oxidation (CWO) of glucose is described. Employing a cationic Ru@MNP catalyst, succinic acid is obtained in unprecedently high yield (87.5 %) for a >99.9 % conversion of glucose, most probably through a free radical mechanism combined with catalytic didehydroxylation of vicinal diols and hydrogenation of the resulted unsaturated intermediate.

Heterogeneous Diastereoselective Catalysis--A Powerful Strategy Toward C(15) Stereoselectivity from PGF2α Analogues Structure

A major trend in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals is the synthesis of molecules with increased complexity. This trend translates the aim of organic syntheses to conditions in which high degrees of chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity can be provided. In this context, the chemoselective hydrogenation of one functional group in the presence of other reactive groups is a frequently encountered problem in fine chemicals manufacture. This study provides a critical analysis including elegant examples of reactions in which high chemo- and diastereoselectivities were achieved in the hydrogenation of a C=O group in the presence of C=C double bond. A particular emphasis is addressed to the stereoselective C(15) synthesis from Cloprostenol--a PGF2α structural analogue.

Direct oxidation of amines to nitriles in the presence of ruthenium-terpyridyl complex immobilized on ILs/SILP

Ru₂Cl₄(az-tpy)₂ was immobilized within a range of supported ionic liquids on silica. SILP operates as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in oxidation of long chain linear primary amines to corresponding nitriles.

Direct synthesis of sorbitol and glycerol from cellulose over ionic Ru/magnetite nanoparticles in the absence of external hydrogen

A sweet catalyst: A catalyst formed of Ru/functionalized silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles is highly efficient in the one-pot production of sorbitol and glycerol, starting from cellulose and in the absence of an external hydrogen source. The ease of recoverability of the catalyst from the solid residues, and its reuse without loss of activity or selectivity for several runs, is an important green element of the process.

Sn-doped hydroxylated MgF₂ catalysts for the fast and selective saccharification of cellulose to glucose

TIN, TAILORED, NOT SOLDER, BUT CAT: Doped hydroxylated fluorides, prepared by a modified sol-gel method, offer enhanced acidity and improved stability against water, and efficiency in the degradation of cellulose. These materials extend the portfolio of acid catalysts for fast and selective hydrolysis of biomass to glucose, which offers a feedstock for bioethanol production.