The present invention relates to a new dehydrogenation process of specific compounds.

The invention relates to a process for preparing an ester by alkoxycarbonylation of a C2 to C20 hydrocarbon having at least one multiple bond, preferably having at least one olefinic double bond, in which the homogeneous catalyst system used is separated from the product mixture by means of membrane separation and recycled into the reaction zone. In a development of the present invention, the ester thus formed is converted into another ester by transesterification.

The invention relates to a process for preparing an ester by alkoxycarbonylation of a C2 to C20 hydrocarbon having at least one multiple bond, preferably having at least one olefinic double bond, in which the homogeneous catalyst system used is separated from the product mixture by means of membrane separation and recycled into the reaction zone. In a development of the present invention, the ester thus formed is converted into another ester by transesterification.

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.

This invention relates to a method for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into ethyl esters of carboxylic acids. Said method consists of treating the biomass material with an oxidizing agent that is incorporated in an solution comprising one or more acids, one or more alcohols and water, and subsequently performing a catalytic reaction at a higher temperature using the same acidic solution into which a larger volume of alcohol is added, in such a way that the catalytic conversion occurs in a medium with a much higher concentration of alcohol, i.e. with a much higher alcohol-to-water wt ratio. Such a method results in relatively high yields of ethyl esters, such as ethyl esters of formic, acetic, and levulinic acids, while producing a low yield of dialkyl ethers, which are unwanted by-products. The concentration of the oxidizing agent in the pre-treatment step is preferably higher than 6.0 wt %. The oxidizing agent is preferably a Fenton or Fenton-type reagent, and most preferably hydrogen peroxide activated by Fe (II), and/or Ti (IV) ions. The alcohol is preferably ethanol, and when ethanol is used, diethyl ether is formed as the unwanted dialkyl ether by-product. Preferably, the biomass material is pelleted before treatment.

This invention relates to a method for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into ethyl esters of carboxylic acids. Said method consists of treating the biomass material with an oxidizing agent that is incorporated in an solution comprising one or more acids, one or more alcohols and water, and subsequently performing a catalytic reaction at a higher temperature using the same acidic solution into which a larger volume of alcohol is added, in such a way that the catalytic conversion occurs in a medium with a much higher concentration of alcohol, i.e. with a much higher alcohol-to-water wt ratio. Such a method results in relatively high yields of ethyl esters, such as ethyl esters of formic, acetic, and levulinic acids, while producing a low yield of dialkyl ethers, which are unwanted by-products. The concentration of the oxidizing agent in the pre-treatment step is preferably higher than 6.0 wt %. The oxidizing agent is preferably a Fenton or Fenton-type reagent, and most preferably hydrogen peroxide activated by Fe (II), and/or Ti (IV) ions. The alcohol is preferably ethanol, and when ethanol is used, diethyl ether is formed as the unwanted dialkyl ether by-product. Preferably, the biomass material is pelleted before treatment.

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 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.