Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of adipic acid to caprolactam employing a chemocatalytic reaction in which an adipic acid substrate is reacted with ammonia and hydrogen, in the presence of particular heterogeneous catalysts and employing unique solvents. The present invention also enables the conversion of other adipic acid substrates, such as mono-esters of adipic acid, di-esters of adipic acid, mono-amides of adipic acid, di-amides of adipic acid, and salts thereof to caprolactam. Solvents useful in the process that do not react with ammonia are also disclosed. Catalyst supports are disclosed which catalyze the reaction of the substrate with ammonia in the absence of added metal. Metals on the catalyst supports comprise ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), and/or platinum (Pt). Heterogeneous catalysts comprising ruthenium (Ru) and rhenium (Re) on titania and/or zirconia supports are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of a carbohydrate source to hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and to intermediates useful for the production of hexamethylenediamine and other industrial chemicals. HMDA is produced by direct reduction of a furfural substrate to 1,6-hexanediol in the presence of hydrogen and a heterogeneous reduction catalyst comprising Pt or by indirect reduction of a furfural substrate to 1,6-hexanediol wherein 1,2,6-hexanetriol is produced by reduction of the furfural substrate in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising Pt and 1,2,6-hexanediol is then converted by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst comprising Pt to 1,6 hexanediol, each process then proceeding to the production of HMDA by known routes, such as amination of the 1,6 hexanediol. Catalysts useful for the direct and indirect production of 1,6-hexanediol are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to water concentration reduction processes within an adipic acid process. The present invention also includes process for converting a glucose-containing feed derived from a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product wherein the process includes the steps of: converting glucose in the feed to a reaction product including a hydrodeoxygenation substrate and a first concentration of water; reducing the concentration of water in the reaction product to produce a feedstock including the hydrodeoxygenation substrate and second concentration of water, wherein the second concentration of water is less than the first concentration of water; and converting at least a portion of the hydrodeoxygenation substrate in the feedstock to an adipic acid product. Processes are also disclosed for producing hexamethylene diamine and caprolactam from the adipic acid product.