Gustavo Pablo Romanelli

Bio: Gustavo Pablo Romanelli is an academic researcher from National University of La Plata. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Heterogeneous catalysis. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 163 publications receiving 1258 citations. Previous affiliations of Gustavo Pablo Romanelli include National Scientific and Technical Research Council.

Heteropolycompounds as catalysts for biomass product transformations

Abstract: In this article we show a variety of biomass product transformations through catalysis by both bulk and supported heteropolycompounds. The biomass sources considered include carbohydrates, oils and fats, and terpenes as main starting material groups. The products obtained and their applications are presented.

Tungstophosphoric acid/zirconia composites prepared by the sol–gel method: An efficient and recyclable green catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes

Abstract: Samples of zirconia modified with different contents of tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) were synthesized from zirconium propoxide via sol–gel reactions using polyethylene glycol as template and were characterized by different physicochemical techniques (BET, XRD, FT-IR, and 31 P MAS-NMR). The S BET of the solids decreases and the microporosity increases with the increase of the TPA content. According to FT-IR and 31 P MAS-NMR studies, the main species present in the samples is [PW 12 O 40 ] 3− anion, which was partially transformed into [P 2 W 21 O 71 ] 6− and [PW 11 O 39 ] 7− anions during the synthesis and drying steps. The XRD patterns of the modified samples exhibit neither the characteristic peaks of TPA nor those attributed to its decomposition products. Aryl-14 H -dibenzo[ a , j ]xanthenes have been synthesized by a one-pot condensation of 2-naphthol and aryl aldehydes, catalyzed by tungstophosphoric acid/zirconia composites in a solvent-free medium using conventional heating. The present approach offers the advantages of clean reaction, simple methodology, short reaction time, and high yield. The reaction work-up is very simple and the catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture and reused several times in subsequent reactions without appreciable loss of the catalytic activity.

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)—a powerful separation technique

Abstract: Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) provides an alternative approach to effectively separate small polar compounds on polar stationary phases. The purpose of this work was to review the options for the characterization of HILIC stationary phases and their applications for separations of polar compounds in complex matrices. The characteristics of the hydrophilic stationary phase may affect and in some cases limit the choices of mobile phase composition, ion strength or buffer pH value available, since mechanisms other than hydrophilic partitioning could potentially occur. Enhancing our understanding of retention behavior in HILIC increases the scope of possible applications of liquid chromatography. One interesting option may also be to use HILIC in orthogonal and/or two-dimensional separations. Bioapplications of HILIC systems are also presented.

From lignocellulosic biomass to levulinic acid: A review on acid-catalyzed hydrolysis

Abstract: Catalytic conversion of renewable biomass to “green” chemicals and fuel additives has been extensively investigated in the past few decades. Interests on two top platform intermediates for biofuel production, i.e. levulinic acid (LA) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), have increased significantly. These two chemicals are generally produced from biomass through acid hydrolysis. This review summarizes the discoveries of the most recent studies on acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, including (i) biomass pretreatment, (ii) glucose production from cellulose hydrolysis, (iii) fructose formation from glucose isomerization, (iv) HMF formation from glucose/fructose dehydration and (v) LA production from HMF rehydration. Humins, the main byproducts, are also discussed in the aspect of their influence on the hydrolysis process, structure, formation mechanism, and applications.

Ceria‐Based Solid Catalysts for Organic Chemistry

Abstract: Ceria has been the subject of thorough investigations, mainly because of its use as an active component of catalytic converters for the treatment of exhaust gases. However, ceria-based catalysts have also been developed for different applications in organic chemistry. The redox and acid-base properties of ceria, either alone or in the presence of transition metals, are important parameters that allow to activate complex organic molecules and to selectively orient their transformation. Pure ceria is used in several organic reactions, such as the dehydration of alcohols, the alkylation of aromatic compounds, ketone formation, and aldolization, and in redox reactions. Ceria-supported metal catalysts allow the hydrogenation of many unsaturated compounds. They can also be used for coupling or ring-opening reactions. Cerium atoms can be added as dopants to catalytic system or impregnated onto zeolites and mesoporous catalyst materials to improve their performances. This Review demonstrates that the exceptional surface (and sometimes bulk) properties of ceria make cerium-based catalysts very effective for a broad range of organic reactions.