Catalytic upgrading of levulinic acid to 5-nonanone

Aqueous solutions of levulinic acid can be catalytically processed, through the intermediate formation of γ-valerolactone (GVL), to an organic liquid stream that spontaneously separates from water, and is enriched in pentanoic acid and 5-nonanone. This organic layer can serve as a source of chemicals or can be upgraded to hydrocarbon fuels.