Solvent-free synthesis of a zirconium-carbon coordination catalyst for efficient aqueous-phase production of lactic acid from xylose

It is highly desirable but of challenge to develop an efficient process for lactic acid (LaA) production from xylose performed in water. Herein, a novel catalyst prepared via a facile solvent-free coordination route is developed to efficiently produce LaA from xylose in water. The structural properties of the prepared catalyst and the reaction conditions are systematically investigated. The production rate of LaA at 190 °C in water is up to 1.8 h −1 , outperforming the most recent reports (below 1.1 h −1 ). Detailed experimental and characteristic studies reveal that the presence of Lewis acidic sites and basic sites in the catalyst structure can not only lower the energy barrier of xylose conversion but also boost the efficient conversion of the active reaction intermediates into LaA. The findings of this work will provide a new approach for the efficient production of LaA from carbohydrates.