The literature data concerning the methods of synthesis, chemical transform
ations and applications of levulinic acid are analysed and generalised. Wid
e synthetic applications of levulinic acid, particularly as a key compound
in the synthesis of various heterocyclic systems, saturated and unsaturated
ketones and diketones, difficultly accessible acids and other compounds at
e demonstrated. Special emphasis is laid on the ease of preparation of levu
linic acid from hexose-containing sawmill and agricultural wastes.