Levulinic acid is an interesting building block for biofuel (additives) and biobased chemicals. It is accessible by an acid-catalyzed reaction of a wide variety of carbohydrates. We here report a kinetic study on the conversion of d-galactose to levulinic acid in aqueous solutions with sulfuric acid as the catalyst. The experiments were carried out in a broad range of temperatures (140–200 °C), initial concentrations of galactose (0.055–1.110 M), and concentrations of sulfuric acid (0.05–1 M). The experimental data were modeled using a power-law approach, and good agreement between the experimental data and the model was obtained. The maximum yield of levulinic acid (54 mol %) was achieved at 130–140 °C, low initial galactose concentrations (0.055 M), and high acid concentrations (1 M). With the kinetic information available, the most suitable reactor configuration was determined, and it is predicted that a continuously stirred-tank reactor is preferred over a plug-flow reactor. The findings presented here may also be applicable to the kinetic modeling of levulinic acid synthesis from more complex biomass sources such as lignocellulosic (woody) and aquatic (e.g., seaweed) biomass.

中文翻译：

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硫酸催化水中d-半乳糖转化为乙酰丙酸的动力学研究

乙酰丙酸是生物燃料（添加剂）和生物基化学品的有趣组成部分。它可以通过多种碳水化合物的酸催化反应获得。我们在这里报告了关于d转化的动力学研究-半乳糖以硫酸为催化剂在水溶液中转化为乙酰丙酸。实验在很宽的温度范围（140–200 °C）、半乳糖初始浓度（0.055–1.110 M）和硫酸浓度（0.05–1 M）下进行。实验数据采用幂律方法建模，实验数据与模型吻合良好。在 130–140 °C、低初始半乳糖浓度 (0.055 M) 和高酸浓度 (1 M) 时，乙酰丙酸的最大产率 (54 mol%) 达到。根据可用的动力学信息，确定了最合适的反应器配置，并且预计连续搅拌釜反应器优于活塞流反应器。