Journal of Molecular Catalysis A-Chemical, Vol.252, No.1-2, 90-95, 2006
A catalytic method for synthesis of gamma-butyrolactone, epsilon-caprolactone and 2-cumaranone in the presence of Preyssler's anion, [NaP5W30O110](14-), as a green and reusable catalyst
gamma-Butyrolactone, epsilon-caprolactone and 2-cumaranone are synthesized from related diols, using Preyssler heteropolyacids, H-14[NaP5W30O110] and H-14[NaP5W29MoO110] as catalyst, and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. The performance of eco-friendly Preyssler catalysts was compared with H2SO4 and the catalytic activity of HSO4 is found to be lower than Preyssler catalysts. The effects of various parameters such as amount of diol, temperature, solvent and time were studied. In all cases, the Preyssler catalyst was easily recovered and recycled with retention of their initial structure and activity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.