Congratulations to our PhD student Lorenzo Bonaldi for his scientific publication entitled “Multivariate approach for the optimization of sucrose ethanolysis: Paving the way to the exploitation of sucrose-rich by-products”. In this work, the optimisation of ethyl levulinate (EL) synthesis from sucrose via direct alcoholysis was investigated as a valorisation strategy.
The study aimed to maximise the yield of the target product while minimising the formation of secondary side products, such as diethyl ether (DEE) and Humins. To this end, a multivariate approach was adopted, systematically modulating the main reaction parameters: reaction time, temperature, and catalyst loading. Particular attention was also given to the characterisation of the Humins formed during the process. Finally, under the optimal conditions identified, the study focused on the synthesis of EL from thick juice, a typical intermediate of the sucrose refining process. Therefore, for the first time, a low-cost, sucrose-rich feedstock was employed as a substrate for EL synthesis.
Lorenzo’s work is available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108344
