Processes for conversion of biologically derived mevalonic acid

A process comprising:

• (a) reacting MVL, or a solution comprising MVL, at a first temperature in the range of 150° C. to 400° C. and at a first pressure in the range of from atmospheric pressure to less than 100 bar to yield a first product or first product mixture;
• and (b) reacting said first product or first product mixture in the presence of an acid catalyst at a second temperature greater than or equal to 50° C. and less than or equal to 200° C. to yield a second product or second product mixture.

A process comprising reacting MVL, or a solution comprising MVL, at a temperature greater than or equal to 150° C. and less than or equal to 200° C. and a pressure in the range of atmospheric pressure to less than 50 bar to yield a first product or first product mixture comprising at least one C5H8 compound and/or at least one C10H16 compound.