LAUSR

Solid acid catalysts possessing MFI topology and different crystal sizes and porosities were explored for the conversion of carbohydrate‐biomass‐derived α‐angelica lactone and 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural, in 1‐butanol at T=120–170 °C, to give levulinate esters and furanic ethers. Micro/mesoporous microcrystalline catalysts were prepared by post‐synthesis base/acid treatments of ZSM‐5 zeolite; the influence of the desilication (base) conditions on the material properties was investigated. A nanocrystalline ZSM‐5 sample was synthesised by using hydrothermal, dynamic conditions and used as a reference material. A comparison of the catalytic performances of materials featuring different morphological, textural, and acid properties highlights a complex interplay between the acid and textural properties. The best‐performing catalyst (MZS0.6) was obtained by post‐synthesis‐treatment; fairly good catalytic stability was confirmed by catalyst recycling, contact tests, and characterisation of the spent catalyst. MZS0.6 was compared with the macrorecticular ion‐exchange resin Amberlyst‐15, chosen as a benchmark solid acid catalyst, in the two reaction systems.