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.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC