Ketonization and deoxygenation of alkanoic acids and conversion of levulinic acid to hydrocarbons using a Red Mud bauxite mining waste as the catalyst

Abstract Red Mud bauxite mining waste which consists of a highly alkaline mixture of Fe 2 O 3 (typically >60%, w/w), TiO 2 and several complex sodium alumino-silicates is a viable, but non-selective catalyst for the ketonization of carboxylic acids. The active catalyst consists of reduced iron oxide, silicate, aluminate and carbide phases that have to be formed either by pre-reduction of the Red Mud with a blend of formic and acetic acids or in situ by reduction with H 2 (g) at T  > 350 °C. Under H 2 (g) this catalyst can convert biomass derived levulinic acid into a blend of C9 alkenes and alkanes in up to 76% (w/w) yield. The reduced Red Mud is a non-alkaline magnetic solid that was analyzed by various techniques (XRD, Mossbauer, EA, Raman, TGA). It can be reused as a catalyst without loss of activity.

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