A review on catalytic synthesis of energy rich fuel additive levulinate compounds from biomass derived levulinic acid

Levulinate esters are unique potential value added energy-chemicals which has significantly attracted remarkable attention of global researchers due to its potential importance as a fuel-blending chemical. Conversely, competent synthesis of levulinate compounds is in initial phase of research which mostly involves the challenging catalytic synthesis. The existing literature showed that, the role of acid-functionalized catalyst is very important for the synthesis of levulinate esters whereas, various kinds of the catalyst are widely used in last few years to synthesize these value added chemicals. Moreover, applications of levulinate compounds as energy products are in emergent phase which requisites the extensive research efforts to improve engine performance and process efficiency. Looking to this view, the present article execute critical evaluation of progressing research linked to (i) potential applications of the levulinate compounds, (ii) market scenario of levulinate synthesis, (iii) different catalytic pathways of levulinate synthesis (iv) mechanistic approach to synthesize levulinate (v) use of various catalysts to obtain levulinates (vi) fuel blending properties of levulinates and (vii) advantages of levulinates as a fuel blender. Moreover, the present article also summarizes the future opportunities and challenges associated with the development of representative levulinate synthesis biorefinary.