Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde (HMF, a biomass-derived platform chemical) into ethyl levulinate (EL) is an attractive approach for producing renewable transport fuels for mitigating global warming. We report here the application of hierarchical zeolites (DZSM-5 and MZSM-5 synthesized by desilication and mesoporous templating approaches, respectively) as solid acid catalysts for this transformation. Hierarchical structure of these zeolites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen-physisorption and electron microscopy, and acidity was determined by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. HMF conversion of 94.2% with EL selectivity of 90.8% was achieved over the MZSM-5 catalyst. Acidity, pore size and surface properties affected the catalytic activity.

将5-羟甲基-2-糠醛（HMF，一种生物质衍生的平台化学品）催化转化为乙酰丙酸乙酯（EL）是生产可缓解全球变暖的可再生运输燃料的一种有吸引力的方法。我们在此报告了分级沸石（分别通过脱硅和中孔模板化方法合成的DZSM-5和MZSM-5）作为这种转化的固体酸催化剂的应用。通过X射线衍射，氮物理吸附和电子显微镜确认了这些沸石的层状结构，并且通过程序升温的氨解吸确定了酸度。与MZSM-5催化剂相比，HMF转化率为94.2％，EL选择性为90.8％。酸度，孔径和表面性质影响催化活性。