Magnetic ZSM-5 zeolite: a selective catalyst for the valorization of furfuryl alcohol to γ-valerolactone, alkyl levulinates or levulinic acid

A magnetic ZSM-5 zeolite with a core–shell type structure was synthesized, fully characterized and had its catalytic activity evaluated on the valorization of bio-derived furfuryl alcohol. The catalytic system displayed a tuneable selectivity to γ-valerolactone, alkyl levulinates and even levulinic acid by simply changing the reaction conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily recovered and reused for several reaction cycles without significant losses in its catalytic activity.