Catalysts For Making Acrylic Acid From Lactic Acid Or Its Derivatives In Liquid Phase

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This invention relates to catalysts composed of specific ionic liquids (ILs) and acids that efficiently convert lactic acid or its derivatives into acrylic acid and its derivatives in the liquid phase. The core advance is using a combination of ILs, especially phosphonium-based bromide salts, with soluble acids (either Brønsted or Lewis acids), to achieve high yield and selectivity in producing acrylic acid from renewable sources, replacing conventional, fossil-based production processes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial-scale production of acrylic acid from renewable resources such as biomass-derived lactic acid
• Manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers (e.g., for diapers and hygienic products) made from bio-based acrylic acid
• Production of bio-based adhesives, paints, coatings, and binders utilizing acrylic acid derived from non-fossil feedstocks
• Enabling sustainable value chains in the plastics, coatings, and specialty chemicals industries
• Conversion of fermentation-derived lactic acid (from sugar, plant material, or waste streams) into valuable monomers for environmentally friendly polymers

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables the use of renewable, non-fossil feedstocks, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of acrylic acid production
• Operates efficiently in the liquid phase, allowing lower temperatures and pressures compared to traditional gas-phase processes, thus lowering energy consumption and emissions
• Provides higher yield and selectivity for acrylic acid with fewer by-products compared to previous non-fossil-based methods
• Reduces dependence on petroleum or natural gas, enhancing chemical industry sustainability and resilience
• Offers process flexibility (tolerance for a variety of lactic acid derivatives, different reactor types, and various inert supports)
• Improves safety and decreases equipment corrosion compared to conventional technologies using aggressive conditions or reactants

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Patent Abstract

Catalysts for the dehydration of lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof in liquid phase comprising an ionic liquid (IL) and an acid are provided.