Liquid Phase Process for Preparing Acrylic Acid from Glycerol

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

This invention describes a new process for producing acrylic acid from glycerol, which is a renewable by-product of biodiesel production. The process involves two main steps—dehydrating glycerol to form acrolein, and then oxidizing acrolein to acrylic acid. Both steps occur in the liquid phase using a homogeneous catalyst, particularly a polyoxometalate, and operate at relatively low temperatures and pressures. This makes the process more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to conventional methods that rely on petroleum-based raw materials and high-temperature, high-pressure conditions.

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

• Sustainable production of acrylic acid for use in making plastics, paints, coatings, and adhesives.
• Manufacture of superabsorbent polymers for hygiene products, such as diapers and personal care goods.
• Production of copolymers and homopolymers for use in textiles and emulsion forms for paints and coatings.
• Integration into biorefineries utilizing glycerol, a byproduct from biodiesel manufacturing, to create higher-value chemicals.
• Reduction of fossil resource dependency in the chemical industry by utilizing renewable feedstocks.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Utilizes glycerol from renewable sources, supporting a circular economy and reducing waste from biodiesel production.
• Operates at lower temperatures and pressures, making the process more energy- and cost-efficient.
• Eliminates or greatly reduces the use of hazardous, corrosive, or environmentally harmful solvents and oxidants.
• Enables a greener and safer production route for acrylic acid, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toxic byproducts.
• Homogeneous catalysis in liquid phase allows for better control, higher selectivity, and potentially scalable processing.
• Facilitates the production of acrylic acid with comparable yields and selectivities to fossil-based processes, making it commercially viable.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a process for preparing acrylic acid from glycerol comprising (i) dehydration of glycerol to acrolein, and (ii) oxidation of acrolein to acrylic acid, wherein (i) and (ii) are performed in a liquid phase in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst and a solvent. The invention further relates to a composition comprising or consisting of a reaction product prepared by the process for preparing acrylic acid from glycerol.