γ‐Valerolactone (GVL), derived from renewable lignocellulosic biomass, has been considered as a cost‐competitive and green platform chemical. With the increasingly prominent environmental problems, a deep understanding of the preparation and transformation of GVL is highly needed. Based on the latest progress made with GVL, preparation and applications of GVL are summarized and discussed in this Review. In particular, the state‐of‐the‐art in catalytic production of GVL is described based on the use of noble‐metal and non‐noble‐metal catalysts. The application of GVL for the valorization of lignocellulose would improve the yield of target products such as sugar monomers and furfural. Thus, GVL can be produced from lignocellulose and simultaneously it can also be used for the valorization of lignocellulose, just as in the sustainable and renewable cycle, “the falling leaves returns to their roots”. This Review is expected to provide valuable reference and new proposal for the further development and better utilization of GVL.

中文翻译：

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落叶回归根源：木质纤维素制备γ-戊内酯及其在木质纤维素转化中的应用综述。

源自可再生木质纤维素生物质的γ-戊内酯（GVL）被认为是具有成本竞争力的绿色平台化学品。随着日益突出的环境问题，非常需要对GVL的制备和转化有深入的了解。基于GVL的最新进展，本综述总结并讨论了GVL的制备和应用。特别是，根据贵金属和非贵金属催化剂的使用，描述了GVL催化生产的最新技术。将GVL用于木质纤维素的增价将提高目标产物如糖单体和糠醛的产率。因此，GVL可以由木质纤维素生产，同时也可以用于木质纤维素的增值，就像在可持续发展和可再生循环中一样，“落叶飘落回到了自己的根”。预期该审查将为GVL的进一步开发和更好利用提供有价值的参考和新建议。