Abstract: Current industrial processes for the production of lactic acid are fermentative, using lactic bacteria which require large volumes and create large quantities of liquid residue which need to be treated. Chemical literature also describes the use of reaction systems with homogeneous catalysis, which also pose problems which in turn impact our costs, owing to the increased requirements in terms of the control of the process and the type of reactor necessary. Therefore, the process used thus far, carried out in hydrogenolysis, isomerisation and oxidation are defective, owing to the significant formation of sub-products, mainly pyruvic acid and acetic acid and the low yield of lactic acid. Lactic acid can also be obtained by the chemical transformation of other sources other than starch, but which are also renewable. The present invention provides a oxidative process for the production of lactic acid, in which the reaction with pure oxygen or oxygen mixed with air takes place below 100° C.

Abstract: A mixed-bed catalytic system and its activation for direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from synthesis gas are described, comprising a catalyst for methanol synthesis and the zeolite ferrierite in its acid form as the methanol dehydrating component, the two being mixed physically in the form of powder of defined granulometry or as pellets. Another object of the present invention is a process for production of the acid form of the zeolite ferrierite. Another object of the present invention is a process for direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from a synthesis gas, using the catalytic system of the present invention.