Direct Transformation of Bio-Based Furfural into γ-Valerolactone over SOH-Functionalized P─O─Hf Hybrid Catalysts.

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) has great application potential in organic synthesis and biofuels, while its high-efficiency production from easily available bio-based feedstock is challenging. In this work, SOH-functionalized P-O-Hf hybrid catalysts GPCS-Hf(n:m) were facilely prepared by solvothermal treatment of glucose-containing organic precursors (GPC) and Hf in a mass ratio of n:m. The acid strength and Lewis/Brønsted acid sites of GPCS-Hf(n:m) could be modulated by tuning the GPC/Hf ratio.