Recent advances, perspectives and challenges on levulinic acid production from residual biomass

Over the years, several studies have focused on integrally exploring lignocellulosic biomass to achieve satisfactory yields of different bioproducts and establish economically viable industrial processes. Among the bioproducts, levulinic acid (LA) has emerged as one of the top platform products derived from biomass, mainly owing to its expanding market economic position, which can stimulate viability and attract the attention of investors in the field. Considered a building block because of its versatile intermediate chemical structure, it can be used to synthesize many compounds with applications in fuels, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, food additives and solvents. The main synthesis route for obtaining LA is the degradation of cellulose via acid catalysis. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass is a promising and sustainable way of getting LA. Recent research has explored a potential path to full technological development associated with LA from various biomass and different catalysts. In this scenario, a comprehensive review concerning biomass for LA production and the challenges in the synthesis process is proposed. The primary studies conducted over the years and approaches to using and appreciating residual biomass are also discussed. This work also considers the use of technological tools to optimize the production of LA and seeks to contribute sustainable proposals still little explored, such as the intensification of the process and the use of fruit residues in the synthesis of this promising building block. (c) 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.