Abstract: Provided are integrated processes for the conversion of beta propiolactone to acrylic acid. Systems for the production of acrylic acid are also provided.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, and methods of using such systems, for producing acrylic acid from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide on an industrial scale. The production system/production process has various unit operations, including, for example, a ?-propiolactone production system/production process configured to produce ?-propiolactone from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide; a polypropiolactone production system/production process configured to produce polypropiolactone from ?-propiolactone; and a glacial acrylic acid production system/production process configured to produce acrylic acid with a high purity by thermolysis of polypropiolactone.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides unimolecular metal complexes having increased activity in the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. Also provided are methods of using such metal complexes in the synthesis of polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention provides metal complexes comprising an activating species with co-catalytic activity tethered to a multidentate ligand that is coordinated to the active metal center of the complex.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, and methods of using such systems, for producing acrylic acid from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide on an industrial scale. The production system/production process has various unit operations, including, for example, a ?-propiolactone production system/production process configured to produce ?-propiolactone from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide; a polypropiolactone production system/production process configured to produce polypropiolactone from ?-propiolactone; and a glacial acrylic acid production system/production process configured to produce acrylic acid with a high purity by thermolysis of polypropiolactone.

Abstract: Provided are integrated processes for the conversion of beta propiolactone to acrylic acid. Systems for the production of acrylic acid are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention encompasses compositions of sustainable polycarbonate polymers, methods of producing such polymers, and methods for evaluating whether certain constituents of a polymer chain are derived from biomass or a fossil carbon source.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides catalysts for the carbonylation of heterocycles. The inventive catalysts feature metal-ligand complexes having cationic functional groups tethered to the ligand, wherein the tethered cationic groups are associated with anionic metal carbonyl species. The invention also provides methods of using the inventive catalysts to affect the ring opening carbonylation of epoxides.

Abstract: Provided are processes for monitoring and maintaining continuous carbonylation of epoxides or lactones. Processes include measuring parameters affecting the rate of the carbonylation reaction and adding supplemental replacement catalyst replacement components to maintain a constant rate of carbonylation.

Abstract: The present invention describes metal salen complexes having dianionic counterions. Such complexes can be readily precipitated and provide an economical method for the purification and isolation of the complexes, and are useful to prepare novel polymer compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of preparing poly(alkylene carbonate) polymers comprising an increased ratio of primary hydroxyl end groups to secondary hydroxyl end groups, and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention encompasses methods of synthesizing salicylaldehyde derivatives comprising the steps of: a) providing salicylaldehyde or a derivative thereof, b) forming an anhydro dimer of the provided salicylaldehyde compound, c) performing one or more chemical transformations on the anhydro dimer and d) hydrolyzing the anhydro dimer to provide a salicylaldehyde derivative different from that provided in step (a).

Abstract: The present invention provides nanofiltration membranes with reduced chemical reactivity that can be utilized in manufacturing processes where reactive feedstocks and/or products are utilized or produced. Methods of making and using the membranes are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides catalysts for the carbonylation of heterocycles. The inventive catalysts feature metal-ligand complexes having cationic functional groups tethered to the ligand, wherein the tethered cationic groups are associated with anionic metal carbonyl species. The invention also provides methods of using the inventive catalysts to affect the ring opening carbonylation of epoxides.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the production of phthalic acid (PA), isophthalic acid (IP A), terephthalic acid (TP A), and derivatives thereof. The methods are based on the addition of beta propiolactone to furfural or a derivative thereof. Provided are cost effective routes to biobased IP A and derivatives thereof, including terephthalic acid.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the production of isophthalic acid (IP A) and derivatives thereof. The methods are based on the addition of beta propiolactone to furfural or a derivative thereof. Provided are cost effective routes to biobased IP A and derivatives thereof, including terephthalic acid.