Uses
Related to its original synthesis, levulinic acid is prepared in the laboratory by heating sucrose with concentrated hydrochloric acid.[3] The process proceeds via the intermediacy of glucose, which is isomerized to fructose and then hydroxymethylfurfural. Other sugar-derivatives - e.g., levulose(=D-fructose), inulin, starch - and other acids - e.g., sulfuric acids - can be used.
Levulinic acid is a potential precursor to nylon-like polymers, synthetic rubbers, and plastics. It is a versatile synthetic intermediate, e.g., in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. It is a precursor in the industrial production of other chemical commodities such as methyltetrahydrofuran, valerolactone, and ethyl levulinate.
Levulinic acid is also a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.
Levulinic acid is used in cigarettes to increase nicotine delivery in smoke and binding of nicotine to neural receptors.
Safety
Levulinic acid is relatively nontoxic, with an LD50 of 1850 mg/kg.
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