levulinic acid

[lev-yuh-lin-ik, lev-]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white or colorless, water-soluble solid, C 5 H 8 O 3 , produced by the hydrolysis of cane sugar, starch, or cellulose; used chiefly in the organic synthesis of nylon, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of levulinic acid¹

levul(ose) + -in ² + -ic

Example Sentences

The key component it works with is a chemical called levulinic acid.

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They gathered around them a team of scientists and engineers, and have worked closely with the University of Pisa for seven years on perfecting the production of levulinic acid.

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Levulinic acid is created from biomass such as grass or woodchips and can then be used in plastics, solvents, fuels and the pharmaceuticals industry - and crucially as a substitute for oil in all its forms.

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The company argues that levulinic acid will prove to be an important building block for a decarbonized world, helping to replace fossil-based chemicals and reducing the carbon footprint of consumer products.

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This February, GFB bought Minnesota-based Segetis, the main US producer of levulinic acid, with the aim of developing its bioplastic technology.

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