Methods Of Making Acrylic Acid From Lactic Acid Using Molten Salt Catalysts

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method for producing acrylic acid by reacting lactic acid or lactide in a liquid phase with a molten salt catalyst. The catalyst is a protic ionic liquid that contains a bromide anion, which facilitates the conversion of the feedstock to acrylic acid.

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

• Industrial-scale manufacture of acrylic acid from renewable feedstocks like lactic acid.
• More sustainable production processes for plastics, coatings, and adhesives that use acrylic acid as an intermediate.
• Chemical plants looking to convert biomass-derived lactic acid into valuable monomers.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables the production of acrylic acid from renewable and potentially bio-based sources.
• Employs a molten salt catalyst, which can provide higher efficiency and selectivity than traditional catalysts.
• May reduce reliance on petroleum-derived starting materials, supporting greener chemistry initiatives.
• Offers a potentially lower-energy process due to operation in the liquid phase.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A method of making acrylic acid in liquid phase by contacting a feed stream containing lactic acid, lactide, or mixtures thereof with a molten salt catalyst comprising a protic ionic liquid (PIL), which contains a bromide anion (Br−), is provided.