Synthesis of ethyl lactate from triose sugars on Sn/Al2O3 catalysts

V. K. DIEZ; EDUARDO A. PIGHIN; J.I. DI COSIMO

Beijing

Congreso; 16th International Congress on Catalysis; 2016

Sn-promotedalumina catalysts with different Sn loadings (1¨C8 wt.%) were prepared byimpregnation andcharacterized by N2physisorption, X-ray diffraction,UV¨Cvis-DRS, FTIR of pyridine and TPD of NH3. SurfaceSn species present Lewisacid properties different from those of the alumina support; the numberandstrength of the surface Lewis centers increase with the Sn loading. Thesematerials exhibit good catalyticperformance for conversion of triose sugars,such as dihydroxyacetone, toward ethyl lactates at mildconditions. The catalystpreparation conditions, Sn content and reaction conditions affect the finalethyllactate yield. Yields of ¡Ö70% were obtained at 353 K after 7 h ofreaction. Surface Sn species participatein thekinetically relevant reaction steps.