Abstract: In one aspect, a process for treating woody plant material is provided, the process involving contacting the plant material with a continuous flow of an aqueous ethanol solution at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of ethanol-soluble lignin from the plant material and retention of hemicellulose sugars, xylose and cellulose in the treated plant material solids. In another aspect, a process for extracting hemicellulose sugars from lignin-depleted plant material solids is provided, the process involving contacting lignin-depleted plant material with water at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of hemicellulose sugars from the plant material; and recovering hemicellulose sugars from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A method of production of value-added, biobased chemicals and derivative products from bioglycerin is described herein. The present method provides methods for desalinating, decolorizing, and concentrating bioglycerin for the production of biobased chemicals, derivative products, and/or purified bioglycerin.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present method, a method for evaluation of lignin may comprise the steps of: providing lignin from a source, wherein the composition of lignin is unknown; analyzing the lignin by molecular spectroscopy methods and/or physical-chemical analysis; determining the composition of the lignin; and using the determination of the composition to predict at least one biobased product produced from the lignin. Within the method, a statistical analysis of the lignin may provide a prediction for one or more products produced and/or the yield of one or more products.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacture of 2-oxoimidazolidines of Formula I comprising one or more of the steps of converting an amine to an acylation agent, condensation of the acylation agent with a bi-functional compound of structure L-C(R4)(R5)—C(R2)(R3)—NHR1, wherein L is a leaving group, and ring closure of the resulting urea. In this manner, certain 2-oxoimidazolidines may be manufactured that are useful intermediates for the production of Pramiconazole and structurally related compounds.

Abstract: There is provided a process for manufacture of optically-active, 2-(acyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolanes of Formula I comprising a preparation of a racemic compound and an enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of the enantiomers. The invention may further provide for the esterification and racemization of the by-product of the enzymatic reaction. In this manner, 2(R)-(benzoyloxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolane is prepared as a useful intermediate for manufacture of the anti-HIV drug Apricitabine.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for treating woody plant material is provided, the process involving contacting the plant material with a continuous flow of an aqueous ethanol solution at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of ethanol-soluble lignin from the plant material and retention of hemicellulose sugars, xylose and cellulose in the treated plant material solids. In another aspect, a process for extracting hemicellulose sugars from lignin-depleted plant material solids is provided, the process involving contacting lignin-depleted plant material with water at elevated temperature and pressure under conditions that promote extraction of hemicellulose sugars from the plant material; and recovering hemicellulose sugars from the liquid mixture.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.