Efficient Conversion of Bio‐Lactic Acid to 2,3‐Pentanedione on Cesium‐Doped Hydroxyapatite Catalysts with Balanced Acid–Base Sites

We report the design and synthesis of cesium‐doped hydroxyapatite for direct and high‐yield conversion of biobased lactic acid to 2,3‐pentanedione (72.3 %). Cs species derived from CsNO3 at high temperature of calcination is introduced into the hydroxyapatite structure to regulate its acid–base properties. It is found that a balance of acid–base chemistry favors the condensation of lactic acid to 2,3‐pentanedione. As a result, the undesired reactions such as lactic acid dehydration, decarbonylation, and coking are suppressed. Instead, a concerted catalysis between surface basic site and acidic site for lactic acid condensation to 2,3‐pentanedione dominates on the cesium‐doped hydroxyapatite catalyst, leading to a highly selective process for direct conversion of bio‐lactic acid to 2,3‐pentanedione.