Disclosed is a cost-effective process for catalytic conversion of simple C.sub.6-based sugars (such as glucose and fructose) and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from starch (such as different grades of High Fructose Corn Syrup) and cellulosic biomass to 5-HydroxyMethylFurfural (5-HMF) in a continuous-flow tubular reactor in bi-phasic media using inexpensive heterogeneous solid catalysts. Commercial and synthesized heterogeneous solid catalysts were used and their activities in terms of sugar conversion and HMF selectivity and yield were compared. Continuous dehydration of fructose, glucose and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from corn and wood to HMF was achieved and the stability of selected catalysts and feasibility of catalyst recycling and regeneration were demonstrated. The performance of the catalysts and reactor system were examined under different operating conditions including reaction temperature, feeding flow rate, initial feedstock concentration, catalyst loading, presence of extracting organic solvent and phase transfer catalyst and aqueous to organic phase ratio. At the best operating conditions, HMF yield attained 60%, 45% and 53%, from dehydration of fructose, glucose and HFCS-90, respectively.

Disclosed is a cost-effective process for catalytic conversion of simple C.sub.6-based sugars (such as glucose and fructose) and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from starch (such as different grades of High Fructose Corn Syrup) and cellulosic biomass to 5-HydroxyMethylFurfural (5-HMF) in a continuous-flow tubular reactor in bi-phasic media using inexpensive heterogeneous solid catalysts. Commercial and synthesized heterogeneous solid catalysts were used and their activities in terms of sugar conversion and HMF selectivity and yield were compared. Continuous dehydration of fructose, glucose and industrial-grade sugar syrups derived from corn and wood to HMF was achieved and the stability of selected catalysts and feasibility of catalyst recycling and regeneration were demonstrated. The performance of the catalysts and reactor system were examined under different operating conditions including reaction temperature, feeding flow rate, initial feedstock concentration, catalyst loading, presence of extracting organic solvent and phase transfer catalyst and aqueous to organic phase ratio. At the best operating conditions, HMF yield attained 60%, 45% and 53%, from dehydration of fructose, glucose and HFCS-90, respectively.

The present invention provides processes for catalytically converting biomass to oxygenated compounds suitable for use in bioreforming processes.

The present invention provides processes for catalytically converting biomass to oxygenated compounds suitable for use in bioreforming processes.

A catalyst system useful in the production of bisphenol-A comprises (a) an acidic heterogeneous catalyst; (b) a first catalyst promoter comprising at least one organic sulfur-containing compound; and (c) a second catalyst promoter different from the first catalyst promoter and comprising at least one organic Brnsted acidic ionic compound.

A catalyst system useful in the production of bisphenol-A comprises (a) an acidic heterogeneous catalyst; (b) a first catalyst promoter comprising at least one organic sulfur-containing compound; and (c) a second catalyst promoter different from the first catalyst promoter and comprising at least one organic Brnsted acidic ionic compound.

This disclosure provides for catalyst systems and processes for forming an ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. In an aspect, the catalyst system can comprise: a transition metal precursor comprising a Group 8-11 transition metal and at least one first ligand; optionally, at least one second ligand; an olefin; carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2); a diluent; and an oxoacid anion-substituted polyaromatic resin comprising a sulfonated polyaromatic resin, a phosphonated polyaromatic resin, a sulfinated polyaromatic resin, a thiosulfonated, or a thiosulfinated polyaromatic resin, and further comprising associated metal cations. Methods of regenerating the polyaromatic resin with associated metal cations are described.

This disclosure provides for catalyst systems and processes for forming an ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. In an aspect, the catalyst system can comprise: a transition metal precursor comprising a Group 8-11 transition metal and at least one first ligand; optionally, at least one second ligand; an olefin; carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2); a diluent; and an oxoacid anion-substituted polyaromatic resin comprising a sulfonated polyaromatic resin, a phosphonated polyaromatic resin, a sulfinated polyaromatic resin, a thiosulfonated, or a thiosulfinated polyaromatic resin, and further comprising associated metal cations. Methods of regenerating the polyaromatic resin with associated metal cations are described.

This disclosure provides for routes of synthesis of ,-unsaturated carboxylic acids and their salts, including acrylic acid. For example, disclosed is a process for producing an ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid or its salt, comprising: (1) contacting a group 8-11 transition metal precursor, an olefin, carbon dioxide, a diluent, and a sulfur oxoacid anion-substituted polyaromatic resin or a phosphorus oxoacid anion-substituted polyaromatic resin with associated metal cations to provide a mixture; and (2) applying reaction conditions to the mixture suitable to produce the ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. Methods of regenerating the polyaromatic resin with associated metal cations are described.

This disclosure provides for routes of synthesis of ,-unsaturated carboxylic acids and their salts, including acrylic acid. For example, disclosed is a process for producing an ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid or its salt, comprising: (1) contacting a group 8-11 transition metal precursor, an olefin, carbon dioxide, a diluent, and a sulfur oxoacid anion-substituted polyaromatic resin or a phosphorus oxoacid anion-substituted polyaromatic resin with associated metal cations to provide a mixture; and (2) applying reaction conditions to the mixture suitable to produce the ,-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. Methods of regenerating the polyaromatic resin with associated metal cations are described.