Levulinic acid (4-Oxovaleric acid)

Description: Levulinic acid (Laevulinic acid; Levulic acid; NSC 3716) is a precursor for the synthesis of biofuels, such as ethyl levulinate. Levulinic acid is also used as a precursor for pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, and various other additives. The largest application of levulinic acid is its use in the production of aminolevulinic acid, a biodegradable herbicide used in South Asia. Another key application is the use of levulinic acid in cosmetics. Ethyl levulinate, a primary derivative of levulinic acid, is extensively used in fragrances and perfumes. Levulinic acid is a chemical building block or starting material for a wide variety of other compounds including gamma-valerolactone and 2-methyl-THF. Levulinic acid, or 4-oxopentanoic acid, is an organic compound with the formula CH3C(O)CH2CH2CO2H. It is classified as a keto acid. This white crystalline solid is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It is derived from degradation of cellulose and is a potential precursor to biofuels, such as ethyl levulinate.

References: ChemSusChem. 2016 Mar 21; 9(6):562-82.