Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, systems and methods related to a polypropiolactone composition comprising polypropiolactone polymers. Such polymers include polypropiolactone chains of Formula (I): where n is an integer from 10 to about 1,000 and Y is either —H or a cation.

Abstract: A hybrid vertical plug flow reactor is comprised of a bottom inlet and a top outlet having vertical tubular member disposed there between, wherein the bottom inlet has separate gas reactant inlet and separate liquid reactant inlet whereby the gas reactant is mixed with the liquid reactant and the outlet has an extraction port, the extraction port extending sufficiently to withdraw the liquid product from the reactor and maintain a gaseous head space within the tubular member of the reactor. The hybrid vertical bubble plug flow reactor is useful to react a gas reactant and liquid reactant that are reacted at a molar ratio of gas reactant/liquid reactant that is in excess of a stoichiometric requirement of gas reactant so that the gas reactant forms bubbles and the reactants react in the presence of a catalyst to form a reaction product.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing acrylic acid from beta-propiolactone. Such methods may involve the use of a heterogeneous catalyst, such as a zeolite.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for producing a thermally stable polylactone polymer comprising chain terminating the polymer with an end-capping agent to prevent scission of the polymer. Also provided is a thermally stable polylactone polymer wherein the polymer has a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of said first and second ends terminate in an end-capping agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for producing isocyanates and isocyanate derivatives from epoxide and carbon monoxide reagents. In preferred embodiments, the processes include a step for providing carbonylation of an epoxide reagent with a carbon monoxide reagent to produce a beta-lactone intermediate. In certain preferred embodiments, further carbonylation of a beta-lactone intermediate produces a succinic anhydride intermediate. The processes of the present invention include steps for rearranging beta-lactone intermediates and/or succinic anhydride intermediates to produce isocyanate products and/or isocyanate derivatives. In certain preferred embodiments, the isocyanate products may be copolymerized with polyol oligomers to provide polyurethane products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising polylactone melt, extrudate, and processes for producing a foam. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the processes comprise: heating a polylactone composition containing a biobased polylactone in a reaction vessel; and subjecting the polylactone composition to molding to give a foamed structure.

Abstract: The integrated processes herein provide improved carbon efficiency for processes based on coal or biomass gasification or steam methane reforming. Provided are also ethylene oxide carbonylation products such as beta-propiolactone and succinic anhydride having a bio-based content between 0% and 100%, and methods for producing and analyzing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymers, copolymers and polymer systems based on polypropiolactones which can be biodegradable and can enhance the recyclability of polymer systems, which can be functionalized to introduce desired functionality into the polymers and/or which may optionally be prepared from renewable raw materials. Disclosed are novel functionalized beta propiolactones. Some of the novel functionalized beta propiolactones have functional groups bound to the ring structure of the lactone that provide improved polymer systems. Disclosed are novel homopolymers of the functionalized beta propiolactones. Disclosed are novel copolymers based on the functionalized beta propiolactones with beta propiolactone or other monomers which copolymerize with the functionalized beta propiolactones.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a film by cryogenically grinding polypropiolactone to form a powder, and extruding the powder to form the film. Provided herein are also polypropiolactone films having certain biocontent and compostability, as well as certain mechanical and physical properties. Such films may also be suitable for use as packaging materials.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing polyamides from beta-lactones. The polyamides include bio-based polyamides that may be obtained, either in part or completely, from renewable sources.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing sulfur- and phosphorus-containing polymers from beta-lactones. The sulfur- and phosphorus-containing polymers include bio-based sulfur- and phosphorus-containing polymers that may be obtained from renewable sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel solutions to the problem of recycling carbonylation catalysts in epoxide carbonylation processes. The inventive methods are characterized in that the catalyst is recovered in a form other than as active catalyst. In some embodiments, catalyst components are removed selectively from the carbonylation product stream in two or more processing steps. One or more of these separated catalyst components are then utilized to regenerate active catalyst which is utilized during another time interval to feed a continuous carbonylation reactor.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for producing biodegradable beta-propiolactone-based polyester polymers from renewable EO and CO on an industrial scale.

Abstract: Provided herein are integrated methods and systems for the production of acrylamide and acrylonitrile compounds and other compounds from at least beta-lactones and/or beta-hydroxy amides.

Abstract: Provided are integrated processes for the conversion of ethylene oxide to polypropiolactone. System for the production of polypropiolactone are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating an ethylene oxide stream suitable for use in carbonylation reactions. Such treatment uses an inorganic solid to remove water from the ethylene oxide stream. Discloses are also systems to carry out the methods herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for converting an epoxide to a first C3 product, a second C3 product, and/or a first C4 product within an integrated system. The method includes converting the epoxide to a beta lactone to produce an outlet stream comprising beta lactone. The method includes converting the beta lactone of the outlet stream to a first C3 product in the first C3 reactor to produce an outlet stream comprising the first C3 product; converting the beta lactone to a second C3 product in the second C3 reactor to produce an outlet stream comprising the second C3 product, and/or converting the beta lactone to a first C4 product in the first C4 reactor to produce an outlet stream comprising the first C4 product.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the production of polyacrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers from ethylene oxidation to form ethylene oxide. Reacting the ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide to form to beta propiolactone (BPL) or polypropiolactone (PPL), or a combination thereof. An outlet configured to provide a carbonylation stream comprising the BPL or PPL, or a combination thereof and using one or more reactors to convert BPL to acrylic acid or to convert at least some of the BPL to PPL, and then to convert PPL to acrylic acid. An outlet configured to provide a PPL stream to a second reactor tm to convert at least some of the PPL to AA or a third reactor to convert at least some of the PPL to AA. The outlet configured to provide an AA stream to a fourth reactor to convert the AA to polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are membrane separation systems and methods suitable for use in separating carbonylation catalyst from a beta-lactone product stream. Such membrane separation systems utilize a cross flow separation technique and employ a sweep stream.

Abstract: Provided herein are absorbent polymers produced from beta-propiolactone, and methods and systems of producing such polymers. The beta-propiolactone may be derived from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide. The absorbent polymer may be bio-based and/or biodegradable. The absorbent polymers may be used for diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products, as well as for agricultural applications.