New generation biofuels: gamma-valerolactone into valeric esters in one pot

Ethyl valerate and pentyl valerate, suitable as a gasoline additive
and diesel component respectively, can be obtained in a one pot
one step reaction from c-valerolactone, readily available from
lignocellulosic biomass. The reaction takes place in ethanol under
H2 through nucleophilic addition of the alcohol to the carboxylic
group giving hydroxypentanoate, dehydration to pentenoate and
hydrogenation to the saturated ester. The bifunctional catalyst
used consists of a non noble metal, namely copper, supported on
an amorphous weakly acidic material, therefore representing an
interesting alternative to Pt-zeolite catalysts. Pentyl valerate can
be obtained in one pot with conversions .90% and selectivity up
to 83%.