Modified boehmite: a choice of catalyst for the selective conversion of glycerol to five-membered dioxolane

Abstract

The choice of the active site and support matrix decides the activity of a catalyst. Any modifications on these will have a significant impact on the reactivity and selectivity of the catalyst. Here, we have synthesised WO₃-loaded boehmite and applied it for the acetalization of a biomass-derived bulk chemical, glycerol. The well-characterized acid catalyst exhibits a selective acetalization of glycerol with good conversions into a five-membered dioxolane product. The cyclability of the catalyst up to six times along with the retention of the catalytic activity ensures the heterogeneity of the material.