Conversion of Levulinic Acid to Gamma-valerolactone Using an Iridium Nanocomposite under Mild Conditions

Author

Marisa Spengeman, University of New OrleansFollow

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Chemistry

Department

Chemistry

Major Professor

Trudell, Mark

Abstract

The synthesis of gamma-valerolactone was carried out and optimized using iridium nanoparticles (1-2 nanometers) encapsulated in halloysite. The catalyst was prepared using dimethylformamide as a reducing and stabilizing agent to encapsulate the iridium nanoparticles in halloysite nanotubes. The iridium nanocomposite was observed to be an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of levulinic acid to gamma-valerolactone. Gamma-valerolactone was obtained in high yield at 100 degrees Celcius under hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. Details of the iridium nanocomposite catalyzed synthesis of gamma-valerolactone are described.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

Recommended Citation

Spengeman, Marisa, "Conversion of Levulinic Acid to Gamma-valerolactone Using an Iridium Nanocomposite under Mild Conditions" (2024). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 3174.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/3174