Efficient Hydrogenation Of Levulinic Acid Catalysed By Spherical Nhc-Ir Assemblies With Atmospheric Pressure Of Hydrogen

A practical, efficient, and mild hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to gamma-valerolactone (GVL) under 1 atm H-2 was realized by single-sited 3D porous self-supported N-heterocyclic carbene iridium catalysts. Quantitative yields and selectivities were achieved at 0.02 mol% catalyst loading, and the catalyst could be reused for 9 runs without obvious loss of selectivity or activity.