LAUSR

Abstract A series of niobium-modified fluorides (denoted Nb@MgF 2 and Nb@CaF 2 ), prepared via the fluorolytic sol gel synthesis was investigated for the catalytic one-pot conversion of cellulose to lactic acid. In order to establish the main catalytic features influencing the synthesis of lactic acid, physical-chemical properties – catalytic performance correlations were made and compared with previously reported Sn@MgF 2 and Nb@AlF 3 catalysts. The structure of the catalysts is the result of three important parameters: the ionic radii of the guest-host cations, the fluorolysis rate of each alkoxide species and the concentration of the guest cation. As a function of these parameters samples with different catalytic performances in terms of lactic acid yields are obtained. Nb@CaF 2 sample leads to similar yields to lactic acid by comparison with the previously reported Nb@AlF 3 (15.4% versus 17.0%). In addition, Nb@CaF 2 displays a higher hydrothermal stability.