Metal-exchanged magnetic β-zeolites: valorization of lignocellulosic biomass-derived compounds to platform chemicalsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7gc01178d

An array of magnetically recoverable β-zeolites exchanged with late transition metals (Pd, Fe and Ir) have been synthesized and fully characterized and had their catalytic activity evaluated on the conversion of several bio-derived compounds to other value-added platform chemicals. The nature of the transition metals exchanged in the zeolite matrix and the significant effect of reaction conditions such as temperature, time and solvent usage on both the conversion and selectivity of the process are delineated. An array of Pd, Fe and Ir exchanged β-zeolites were synthesized, fully characterized, and their catalytic activity evaluated in converting bio-derived compounds to value-added platform chemicals.