A process comprises feeding a stream of reactant compounds to a reactor and discharging a liquid plasma into the reactant stream in the reactor, wherein the plasma initiates or accelerates a reaction of the reactant compounds to form a product composition. The reactor can comprise one or more chambers, a high-voltage electrode positioned at a first portion of the one or more chambers, a ground electrode positioned at a second portion of the one or more chambers, and a dielectric plate between the ground electrode and the high-voltage electrode that comprises openings through which the reactant stream can pass from the first portion to the second portion or from the second portion to the first portion. Discharging the plasma can include supplying electrical power to the high-voltage electrode such that plasma is discharged where the reactant stream flows through the openings.

A process comprises feeding a stream of reactant compounds to a reactor and discharging a liquid plasma into the reactant stream in the reactor, wherein the plasma initiates or accelerates a reaction of the reactant compounds to form a product composition. The reactor can comprise one or more chambers, a high-voltage electrode positioned at a first portion of the one or more chambers, a ground electrode positioned at a second portion of the one or more chambers, and a dielectric plate between the ground electrode and the high-voltage electrode that comprises openings through which the reactant stream can pass from the first portion to the second portion or from the second portion to the first portion. Discharging the plasma can include supplying electrical power to the high-voltage electrode such that plasma is discharged where the reactant stream flows through the openings.

The present invention provides a process for producing a compound represented by formula (I), comprising the steps of (a) reacting a compound represented by formula (II) with dimethyl sulfate in the presence of an alkali carbonate in a aqueous ketone solvent to obtain the compound represented by formula (I) as a crystalline material, and (b) washing the crystalline material with heated water at 30 to 100° C. and then further washing with an organic solvent at 30 to 80° C.

The present invention provides a process for producing a compound represented by formula (I), comprising the steps of (a) reacting a compound represented by formula (II) with dimethyl sulfate in the presence of an alkali carbonate in a aqueous ketone solvent to obtain the compound represented by formula (I) as a crystalline material, and (b) washing the crystalline material with heated water at 30 to 100° C. and then further washing with an organic solvent at 30 to 80° C.

A transesterification catalyst that is heterogeneous and a method for preparing said transesterification catalyst are provided. The catalyst can be used in a variety of transesterification reactor configurations including CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactors), ebullated (or ebullating) beds or any other fluidized bed reactors, and PFR (plug flow, fixed bed reactors). The catalyst can be used for manufacturing commercial grade biodiesel, biolubricants and glycerin.

A transesterification catalyst that is heterogeneous and a method for preparing said transesterification catalyst are provided. The catalyst can be used in a variety of transesterification reactor configurations including CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactors), ebullated (or ebullating) beds or any other fluidized bed reactors, and PFR (plug flow, fixed bed reactors). The catalyst can be used for manufacturing commercial grade biodiesel, biolubricants and glycerin.

This disclosure provides methods for the chemical modification of triglycerides that are highly enriched in specific fatty acids and subsequent use thereof for producing functionally versatile polymers.

This disclosure provides methods for the chemical modification of triglycerides that are highly enriched in specific fatty acids and subsequent use thereof for producing functionally versatile polymers.

A process for synthesizing (R)-3 -hy droxybutyl (R)-3 -hy droxybutanoate from ethyl (R)-3-hydroxybutanoate and (R)-1,3-butanediol, as well a process for synthesizing (R)-3-hy droxybutyl (R)-3-hy droxybutanoate from (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid and (R)-1,3-butanediol. Also provided are processes for isolating (R)-3-hy droxybutyl (R)-3-hy droxybutanoate, including from a fermentation broth.

A process for synthesizing (R)-3 -hy droxybutyl (R)-3 -hy droxybutanoate from ethyl (R)-3-hydroxybutanoate and (R)-1,3-butanediol, as well a process for synthesizing (R)-3-hy droxybutyl (R)-3-hy droxybutanoate from (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid and (R)-1,3-butanediol. Also provided are processes for isolating (R)-3-hy droxybutyl (R)-3-hy droxybutanoate, including from a fermentation broth.