METHOD FOR PRODUCING γ-VALEROLACTONE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for efficiently producing γ-valerolactone which, when producing γ-valerolactone by a catalytic reaction using levulinic acid and a levulinic acid ester as raw materials, does not need an expensive noble metal catalyst and proceeds in a shorter reaction time than a conventional catalyst.SOLUTION: Levulinic acid and levulinic acid ester can be converted efficiently to γ-valerolactone in a short time by using as a catalyst zirconium oxide, dispersed and supported by a catalyst carrier containing silica as a main component. Furthermore, a high γ-valerolactone yield can be obtained in a shorter reaction time by providing the catalyst with a prior calcination treatment and carrying out the reaction under a pressurized condition.