WO1997047579A1 - Methods for synthesis of high purity carboxylic and fatty acids - Google Patents
Methods for synthesis of high purity carboxylic and fatty acids Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997047579A1 WO1997047579A1 PCT/US1997/010000 US9710000W WO9747579A1 WO 1997047579 A1 WO1997047579 A1 WO 1997047579A1 US 9710000 W US9710000 W US 9710000W WO 9747579 A1 WO9747579 A1 WO 9747579A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- acid
- alcohol
- carboxylic
- reaction mixture
- water insoluble
- Prior art date
Links
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 229930195729 fatty acid Natural products 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 150000001735 carboxylic acids Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 11
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 title description 8
- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 title description 6
- 239000011541 reaction mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000003301 hydrolyzing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-oxopentanoic acid Chemical compound CC(=O)CCC(O)=O JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 52
- 229940040102 levulinic acid Drugs 0.000 claims description 26
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 21
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Succinic acid Natural products OC(=O)CCC(O)=O KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- -1 tetrahydrofurfuryl Chemical group 0.000 claims description 7
- POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N dodecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 125000000113 cyclohexyl group Chemical group [H]C1([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])(*)C([H])([H])C1([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005639 Lauric acid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000021355 Stearic acid Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000008117 stearic acid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- HERYYLFZPLNJDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-(chloromethyl)-6-propyl-1,3-benzodioxole Chemical compound C1=C(CCl)C(CCC)=CC2=C1OCO2 HERYYLFZPLNJDW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001797 benzyl group Chemical group [H]C1=C([H])C([H])=C(C([H])=C1[H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-NUQCWPJISA-N butanedioic acid Chemical compound O[14C](=O)CC[14C](O)=O KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-NUQCWPJISA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000484 butyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 2
- HEZQRPHEDDAJTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloro(phenyl)methanol Chemical compound OC(Cl)C1=CC=CC=C1 HEZQRPHEDDAJTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000006182 dimethyl benzyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000003438 dodecyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000005448 ethoxyethyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])OC([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001495 ethyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000002496 methyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000000740 n-pentyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001436 propyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 2
- LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Butanol Chemical compound CCCCO LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 16
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 150000001732 carboxylic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 12
- 238000005886 esterification reaction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000006460 hydrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000032050 esterification Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000007062 hydrolysis Effects 0.000 description 8
- UAGJVSRUFNSIHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl levulinate Chemical compound COC(=O)CCC(C)=O UAGJVSRUFNSIHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N methanoic acid Natural products OC=O BDAGIHXWWSANSR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000005903 acid hydrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005292 vacuum distillation Methods 0.000 description 5
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- JUJWROOIHBZHMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pyridine Chemical compound C1=CC=NC=C1 JUJWROOIHBZHMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- WNLRTRBMVRJNCN-UHFFFAOYSA-N adipic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CCCCC(O)=O WNLRTRBMVRJNCN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- HYBBIBNJHNGZAN-UHFFFAOYSA-N furfural Chemical compound O=CC1=CC=CO1 HYBBIBNJHNGZAN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- OSWFIVFLDKOXQC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)aniline Chemical compound COC1=CC=CC(C=2C=CC(N)=CC=2)=C1 OSWFIVFLDKOXQC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000019253 formic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- FPYJFEHAWHCUMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N maleic anhydride Chemical compound O=C1OC(=O)C=C1 FPYJFEHAWHCUMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002808 molecular sieve Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 3
- URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium aluminosilicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Al+3].[O-][Si]([O-])=O.[O-][Si]([O-])=O URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001256 steam distillation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000001384 succinic acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- NOEGNKMFWQHSLB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-hydroxymethylfurfural Chemical compound OCC1=CC=C(C=O)O1 NOEGNKMFWQHSLB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OZJPLYNZGCXSJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-valerolactone Chemical compound O=C1CCCCO1 OZJPLYNZGCXSJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N Glucose Natural products OC[C@H]1OC(O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000001361 adipic acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011037 adipic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- WERYXYBDKMZEQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N butane-1,4-diol Chemical compound OCCCCO WERYXYBDKMZEQL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005119 centrifugation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013375 chromatographic separation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005194 fractionation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000008103 glucose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- RJGBSYZFOCAGQY-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxymethylfurfural Natural products COC1=CC=C(C=O)O1 RJGBSYZFOCAGQY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000013461 intermediate chemical Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000622 liquid--liquid extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- UMJSCPRVCHMLSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyridine Natural products COC1=CC=CN=C1 UMJSCPRVCHMLSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005199 ultracentrifugation Methods 0.000 description 2
- JAHNSTQSQJOJLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-fluorophenyl)-1h-imidazole Chemical compound FC1=CC=CC(C=2NC=CN=2)=C1 JAHNSTQSQJOJLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JWUJQDFVADABEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-methyltetrahydrofuran Chemical compound CC1CCCO1 JWUJQDFVADABEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-M 4-oxopentanoate Chemical compound CC(=O)CCC([O-])=O JOOXCMJARBKPKM-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- KYARBIJYVGJZLB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 7-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid Chemical compound OC1=CC(S(O)(=O)=O)=CC2=CC(N)=CC=C21 KYARBIJYVGJZLB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium hydroxide Chemical compound [NH4+].[OH-] VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002028 Biomass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005705 Cannizzaro reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- CKLJMWTZIZZHCS-REOHCLBHSA-N L-aspartic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@@H](N)CC(O)=O CKLJMWTZIZZHCS-REOHCLBHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 240000000111 Saccharum officinarum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007201 Saccharum officinarum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000061456 Solanum tuberosum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002595 Solanum tuberosum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003377 acid catalyst Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 150000001408 amides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000908 ammonium hydroxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 235000003704 aspartic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- OQFSQFPPLPISGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N beta-carboxyaspartic acid Natural products OC(=O)C(N)C(C(O)=O)C(O)=O OQFSQFPPLPISGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001722 carbon compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000002915 carbonyl group Chemical group [*:2]C([*:1])=O 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004587 chromatography analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010908 decantation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000855 fermentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004151 fermentation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012041 food component Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013355 food flavoring agent Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000005417 food ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- HQVFCQRVQFYGRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N formic acid;hydrate Chemical compound O.OC=O HQVFCQRVQFYGRJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002816 fuel additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002402 hexoses Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005984 hydrogenation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000543 intermediate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940058352 levulinate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229920005610 lignin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000004702 methyl esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- LVHBHZANLOWSRM-UHFFFAOYSA-N methylenebutanedioic acid Natural products OC(=O)CC(=C)C(O)=O LVHBHZANLOWSRM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000007522 mineralic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007524 organic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000005985 organic acids Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010893 paper waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- GLOBUAZSRIOKLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentane-1,4-diol Chemical compound CC(O)CCCO GLOBUAZSRIOKLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012450 pharmaceutical intermediate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008635 plant growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000012015 potatoes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000376 reactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000010802 sludge Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000021 stimulant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000008163 sugars Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002194 synthesizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000015112 vegetable and seed oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008158 vegetable oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07C—ACYCLIC OR CARBOCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- C07C51/00—Preparation of carboxylic acids or their salts, halides or anhydrides
- C07C51/42—Separation; Purification; Stabilisation; Use of additives
- C07C51/487—Separation; Purification; Stabilisation; Use of additives by treatment giving rise to chemical modification
- C07C51/493—Separation; Purification; Stabilisation; Use of additives by treatment giving rise to chemical modification whereby carboxylic acid esters are formed
Definitions
- the present invention relates to methods for the production of high purity carboxylic and fatty acids. Description of the Related Art
- a number of carboxylic and fatty acids are important intermediates in the synthesis of hundreds of commercially significant derivative chemicals.
- applications for levulinic acid derived chemicals include: esters and ester derivatives, for use as solvents, paint strippers, and plasticizers; hydrogenation chemicals for use as fuel additives, pharmaceuticals, electronic and intermediate chemicals, flavors and fragrances; and compounds of levulinic acid produced via reactions with carbonyl reagents and halogens, for use as agricultural, specialty and intermediate chemicals.
- succinic acid derived chemicals are useful as resins for plastics, plasticizers, plant growth stimulants, food ingredient (salt substitute), flavor additive, acidulant, biophosphors, pharmaceutical intermediates, corrosion inhibitors, soaps and detergents, surfactants, and plating compounds, and other applications.
- carboxylic and fatty acids derived chemicals such as epoxyethyl levulinate, methyl tetrahydrofuran, valerolactone, 1,4 pentanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, maleic anhydride, adipic acid, and others for high volume applications.
- levulinic acid For example, two basic routes are known for the synthesis of levulinic acid.
- fossil fuel based furfural derived from pyridine is catalytically converted in the presence of an inorganic acid in multi-step Cannizzaro reaction to levulinic acid.
- This pathway initially yields a low purity levulinic acid, which may be purified to the desired purity or reagent grade via several separation steps, including vacuum distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, and ultra centrifugation.
- vacuum distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, and ultra centrifugation Unfortunately, this process is prohibitively expensive because of the petroleum feedstock and because of the expensive purification steps required.
- the second known pathway for synthesizing levulinic acid begins with relatively inexpensive cellulosic feedstock.
- cellulose is converted to glucose which is converted to hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid via high temperature acid hydrolysis.
- this pathway typically produces more than one desired product in a reaction mixture comprising only approximately 10 to 15-percent levulinic acid.
- steam distillation has been used to separate the levulinic acid from the above reaction mixture, steam distillation is relatively expensive.
- the high temperatures associated with steam distillation cause the levulinic acid to degrade yielding a pale yellow malodorous product, unsuitable for many applications.
- succinic acid produces maleic anhydride as the primary contaminant along with trace levels of amides and other organic acids including adipic acid, itaconic acid and aspartic acid.
- amides and other organic acids including adipic acid, itaconic acid and aspartic acid.
- fatty acids are derived from vegetable oils which contain a mixture of fatty acids that are combined with glycerine.
- Current commercial applications of fatty acids require separation of fatty acids from glycerine followed by further fractionation of different fatty acids into their purified individual forms.
- the use of fatty acids in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other high value applications require a high degree of purity which through conventional methods of chromatographic and ultra- centrifugation methods have proven to be relatively expensive. It is accordingly an object of this invention to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the known art and to provide methods for the synthesis of high purity carboxylic and fatty acids.
- a method for separating a carboxylic or fatty acid from a reaction mixture of water soluble components comprising the steps of: (a) esterifying the acid with an alcohol to produce a water insoluble ester; (b) separating the water insoluble ester from the reaction mixture; (c) hydrolyzing the water insoluble ester to yield the acid and the alcohol; and (d) separating the acid from the alcohol.
- the present invention is based on the discovery that carboxylic and fatty acids can be separated from reaction mixtures containing a variety of water soluble components by ester if ication, separation and hydrolysis as described herein.
- Methods for producing high purity carboxylic and fatty acids in accordance with the present invention comprise the following steps: (1) esterification of a reaction mixture containing a carboxylic or fatty acid with an alcohol to produce a water insoluble ester; (2) separation of the water insoluble ester from the other components of the reaction mixture; (3) hydrolysis of the water insoluble ester to recover the original carboxylic or fatty acid and the alcohol; and (4) separation of the carboxylic or fatty acid from the alcohol.
- esterification of the carboxylic or fatty acid in the reaction mixture can be accomplished with a standard Fisher esterification reaction as follows:
- R is any alkyl or aryl group and R'OH is any suitable alcohol, including without limitation, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, amyl, ethoxyethyl, lauryl, aryoxyalkyl, 2- haloakyl, cyclohexyl, chloromethyldihydrosafrole, tetrahydrofurfuryl , benzyl, cyclohexyl, 2,4,6-trichloro-phenyl, 2,4,6-bromo-phenyl, dimethyl benzyl, 1-napthyl carbinyl, and
- R'OH is preferably methyl alcohol.
- a stoichiometric excess of the alcohol is preferably used to insure that all of the carboxylic or fatty acid is esterified.
- the esterification reaction is preferably performed at a temperature range of 100-150C under atmospheric pressure in the presence of a mineral acid catalyst.
- the resulting water insoluble ester may be separated from the remaining water soluble components of the reaction mixture by any suitable separation technique, including, without limitation, decantation, vacuum distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, molecular sieves, or a combination thereof.
- the separation technique is preferably a low temperature technique to protect the ester from degradation.
- the separated water insoluble ester may then be hydrolyzed to yield the original carboxylic or fatty acid.
- this step comprises acid hydrolysis with a mineral acid, such as sulfuric or formic acid, to reverse the Fisher esterification.
- hydrolysis can be achieved with an aqueous base.
- a stoichiometric excess of the acid is preferably used to ensure that all of the ester is hydrolyzed.
- the hydrolysis reaction is preferably performed at 118°C temperature under 1 to 1.5 times the atmospheric pressures in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as sulfuric acid.
- the carboxylic or fatty acid may then be separated from the alcohol and any other hydrolysis product through any suitable separation technique, including, without limitation, vacuum distillation, centrifugation, chromatographic separation, solvent extraction, filtration using molecular and other conventional techniques.
- a low temperature membrane separation technique adapted to protect the heat sensitive carboxylic or fatty acid is employed.
- One such separation method employs micron grade polycarbonate membranes designed specifically for separation of the desired carboxylic or fatty acid.
- esterification, ester separation, hydrolysis, and carboxylic or fatty acid separation steps may be carried out in a batch processing stirred tank reactor ("STR") or in a continuous processing continuous stirred tank reactor (“CSTR") system. In either case the catalysts and the esterification reactants may be recovered and recycled.
- STR batch processing stirred tank reactor
- CSTR continuous processing continuous stirred tank reactor
- levulinic acid derived from cellulose by acid hydrolysis is esterified with methanol to produce water insoluble methyl levulinate.
- the reaction mixture containing the levulinic acid may be relatively acidic as a result of the acid hydrolysis, it is preferable to adjust the pH of the reaction mixture by adding sufficient amount of a suitable base, such as ammonium hydroxide, to the reactor prior to the esterification so that the pH of the reaction mixture prior to esterification is between approximately 4 and 5.
- a suitable base such as ammonium hydroxide
- the methyl levulinate may be separated from the other reaction products and impurities, which are water soluble, through any suitable separation technique as described above.
- the separated methyl levulinate may then be hydrolyzed, preferably with sulfuric or formic acid to yield levulinic acid.
- the levulinic acid produced in the hydrolysis step may be separated from the alcohol and any other reaction products using the separation techniques described above.
- the theoretical yield of levulinic acid employing the methods of the present invention is 71.6 percent, calculated based on the ratio of the molecular weights of levulinic acid and hexose polymer. It is anticipated that the actual yield of methods in accordance with the present invention will be approximately 60 to 65 percent of the theoretical yield.
- the methods of the present invention may be applied to any reaction mixture containing a carboxylic or a fatty acid, including without limitation, acetic acid, stearic acid, and lauric acid.
- the methods of the present invention may be applied to: (1) reaction mixtures containing levulinic acid resulting from the acid hydrolysis of cellulose; (2) reaction mixtures containing levulinic acid resulting from the catalytic conversion of pyridine or furfural; (3) reaction mixtures containing succinic acid resulting from the fermentation of six glucose sugars derived from starch/sugar crops (such as corn, sugarcane, and potatoes), cellulosic biomass (such a paper sludge, saw dust, and corn cobs), and/or from petrochemical ly derived maleic anhydride.
- the material flow is as shown above. 25.0 lbs. of ground wood is mixed with 42 liters of 4-6% sulfuric acid solution and fed to a batch STR along with steam at 150 psi pressure and 335 °F temperature. The reactor slurry contains 20 percent solids.
- reaction mixture is filtered to separate solids.
- the reaction temperature for methyl levulinate formation is dropped to between 100-150°C temperature at 1-1.5 atmospheric pressure in the presence of the sulfuric acid as the catalyst in a STR or a CSTR reactor system.
- About 2.5 pounds of methanol is then added to the reaction mixture producing a reaction mixture of water insoluble methyl levulinate and other water soluble byproducts and impurities, he methyl levulinate is separated from the reaction mixture using vacuum distillation.
- Approximately 10 liters of 4-6% sulfuric acid are then added to hydrolyze methyl levulinate producing a reaction mixture containing levulinic acid, methanol and sulfuric acid.
- the levulinic acid is then separated from the reaction mixture using molecular sieves and/or centrifugation combination.
- the methanol is regenerated at the end of second hydrolysis and is recycled back to the primary esterification reaction at about 70 to 80% recycling rate.
- the temperature for esterification reaction is maintained at 118°C.
- the final product is anticipated to be about 8.5 pounds of purified levulinic acid.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU33840/97A AU3384097A (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-06-09 | Methods for synthesis of high purity carboxylic and fatty acids |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US66498796A | 1996-06-10 | 1996-06-10 | |
US08/664,987 | 1996-06-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997047579A1 true WO1997047579A1 (en) | 1997-12-18 |
Family
ID=24668259
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/010000 WO1997047579A1 (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-06-09 | Methods for synthesis of high purity carboxylic and fatty acids |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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AU (1) | AU3384097A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997047579A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7378549B2 (en) | 2004-01-26 | 2008-05-27 | Shell Oil Company | Process for the reactive extractive extraction of levulinic acid |
US7501062B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2009-03-10 | Shell Oil Company | Process for permeation enhanced reactive extraction of levulinic acid |
US9073841B2 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2015-07-07 | Segetis, Inc. | Process to prepare levulinic acid |
US10618864B2 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2020-04-14 | Gfbiochemicals Ip Assets B.V. | Process to prepare levulinic acid |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR663425A (en) * | 1928-02-17 | 1929-08-21 | Le Ketol | Process for the purification of organic acids by fractional distillation of their esters (or ethers-salts) and by subsequent saponification of the latter |
US2911420A (en) * | 1953-08-12 | 1959-11-03 | Gulf Research Development Co | Method for the separation of difficultly separable mixtures of carboxylic acids |
GB1282926A (en) * | 1968-10-10 | 1972-07-26 | El Paso Products Co | Esterification and extraction process |
US4058555A (en) * | 1969-07-18 | 1977-11-15 | El Paso Products Company | Process for the purification of mixed acids |
-
1997
- 1997-06-09 AU AU33840/97A patent/AU3384097A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-06-09 WO PCT/US1997/010000 patent/WO1997047579A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR663425A (en) * | 1928-02-17 | 1929-08-21 | Le Ketol | Process for the purification of organic acids by fractional distillation of their esters (or ethers-salts) and by subsequent saponification of the latter |
US2911420A (en) * | 1953-08-12 | 1959-11-03 | Gulf Research Development Co | Method for the separation of difficultly separable mixtures of carboxylic acids |
GB1282926A (en) * | 1968-10-10 | 1972-07-26 | El Paso Products Co | Esterification and extraction process |
US4058555A (en) * | 1969-07-18 | 1977-11-15 | El Paso Products Company | Process for the purification of mixed acids |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7378549B2 (en) | 2004-01-26 | 2008-05-27 | Shell Oil Company | Process for the reactive extractive extraction of levulinic acid |
CN100548966C (en) * | 2004-01-26 | 2009-10-14 | 国际壳牌研究有限公司 | Reactive extraction method of levulinic acid |
RU2391333C2 (en) * | 2004-01-26 | 2010-06-10 | Шелл Интернэшнл Рисерч Маатсхаппий Б.В. | Method for reaction extraction of levulinic acid |
US7501062B2 (en) | 2005-02-22 | 2009-03-10 | Shell Oil Company | Process for permeation enhanced reactive extraction of levulinic acid |
US10618864B2 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2020-04-14 | Gfbiochemicals Ip Assets B.V. | Process to prepare levulinic acid |
US9073841B2 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2015-07-07 | Segetis, Inc. | Process to prepare levulinic acid |
US9598341B2 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2017-03-21 | Gfbiochemicals Limited | Process to prepare levulinic acid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU3384097A (en) | 1998-01-07 |
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