Metal triflates are tunable acidic catalysts for high yielding conversion of cellulosic biomass into ethyl levulinate

Metal triflates and their mixtures with Brønsted acids are excellent catalysts for the selective and high yielding transformation of microcrystalline cellulose into ethyl levulinate, in ethanol, producing synergistic catalyst effects in some instances. The pretreatment of raw and unrefined cellulosic materials with a deep eutectic solvent enables similarly excellent catalysed conversion thereof into ethyl levulinate in superb yield (up to 75%) and selectivity (up to 88%). When using fermentation-derived ethanol, the product possesses 100% renewable content. [Display omitted] •Cellulose is converted into ethyl levulinate in high yields.•Raw and unrefined cellulose may be used.•Metal triflates and their mixtures with Brønsted acids are excellent catalysts.•Some catalyst mixtures deliver synergistic effects producing high activity catalysts.