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Biobased acrylic acid

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Versión en Español Type of post: Fact sheet. Series: Biobased chemicals – Organic acids. Publication date: 05/05/2021. Last update: 05/05/2021. Description - Organic acid with 3 carbon atoms. - It is a clear, colourless, corrosive liquid with a characteristic acrid or tart smell. - Other names: prop-2-enoic acid. Applications - Formation of homopolymers or copolymers which are used in the manufacture of various adhesives, coatings, diapers, detergents, paints, plastics and textiles. The main use of crude acrylic acid is the generation of acrylate esters, followed by the production of polyacrylic acid, used mostly in superabsorbent polymers. - Chemical intermediate in multiple industrial processes. Conventional petrochemical route - Cracking of fossil naphtha to produce propylene / Oxidation of propylene. Main biobased routes - [3-HPA via] Fermentation of sugars to produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HPA) / Dehydration of 3-HPA. - [Biobased naphtha via] Cracking of biobased naphth...
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Biorefinery models - Lignocellulosic biorefinery

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Publication date: 25/04/2016 Last update: 25/04/2016 ABOUT THE SERIES OF POSTS “BIOREFINERY MODELS” This post belongs to a series called “ Biorefinery Models ”. This series is devoted to briefly describe the models or concepts of advanced biorefineries which have emerged in the last few years and that are rising currently. These models are simplified representations which enable us to understand in a simple way the structure and characteristics of a general biorefinery type. Some of these models refer to the type of feedstock while other focus on the technologies involved. A biorefinery may resemble these models or be the result of variations and combinations of them. It should be noted that although these paradigms are very useful and instructive, they show limitations in describing and classifying complex systems with high level of integration. In order to define and describe a specific complex case, the blog recommends use the classification proposed by IEA Bioenerg...
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Glucaric acid biorefineries

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Publication date: 14/12/2015 Last update: 24/05/2017 Description 1,2,3,4 D-Glucaric acid, also called saccharic acid, is a chemical compound with formula C 6 H 10 O 8 and member of a large family of molecules known as oxidized sugars. It is a naturally occurring aldaric acid, typically found in small amounts in a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is a highly functionalized compound with four chiral carbons and a plethora of reaction pathways. Its commercial potential was unveiled in the report “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass” from the Department of Energy of USA which described its use as a building block for a number of polymers, including new nylons and hyperbranched polyesters. Process technologies 1,3,4,5,6,7,8 The synthetic preparation of D-glucaric acid dates back to a report of Sohst and Tollens (1888) who carried out the nitric acid oxidation of D-glucose to D-glucaric acid. Current methods for its production are based on this process and in...
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GENO BG – Genomatica unveils new biobased route to produce 1,3-butylene glycol

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Genomatica has just unveiled its latest innovation in advanced bioengineering: the GENO BG TM process (see press release ). It is a biobased technology to make 1,3-butylene glycol (BG). In this manner, the California-based company joins the specialty chemical space and expands its portfolio that includes platform chemicals as 1,4-butanediol, butadiene and polyamide intermediates. The product 1,3-Butylene glycol, also known as 1,3-butanediol (in fact, it is one of the four stable structural isomers of butanediol), is a four-carbon organic compound that belongs to the family of secondary alcohols. It is used as a multifunctional emollient and humectant in skin-care and haircare formulations and other personal care applications, as solvent in the fragrance industry and as an additive in the food and beverage industry. Also, it is a co-monomer in certain polyurethane and polyester resins. Figure 1. Genomatica has begun to produce bio-BG in 85,000 liter fermenters at EW B...
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Slate Refining and Starwood Energy to repurpose refinery into a renewable fuels production facility

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Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Starwood Energy Group Global, Inc. (“Starwood Energy”, a private investment firm that specializes in energy infrastructure investments) and Slate Refining, LLC (“Slate”, an energy production and wholesale distribution and logistics company) have announced that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to reconfigure Slate’s refinery located in Douglas (Wyoming, USA) into a state-of-the-art renewable fuels production facility. Press release: “ Starwood Energy and Slate Refining Partner to Develop, Construct and Operate Renewable Fuels Facility ”, 17/08/2021. Upon completion of the project, the facility is expected to produce over 100 MGal annually of renewable fuels, such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and arctic diesel. Starwood Energy’s extensive experience developing, owning, operating and financing renewables and energy transition projects, coupled with Slate’s operational and refining expertise, brings a...
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