Levulinic acid in organic synthesis

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.