Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of laboratory-scale sample preparation, which describes a methodology for the specific isolation of tetraprotic naphthenic acids, called ARN acids, from residual naphthenate deposits from petroleum production. The method consists of cleaning the naphthenate deposit, converting the naphthenate salts to naphthenic acids and isolating the ARN acids from the other organic acids, using a silica-based sorbent material with aminopropyl functional groups, previously selected for an efficient elution of different functional groups and polarities.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass that comprises the step of contacting a lignocellulosic biomass with an ionic liquid consisting of a phthalic salt of dicholine in the weight ratio from 1:1 to 1:100 of biomass:ionic liquid, said step taking place for a period of time that varies from 0.4 to 48 hours and in a temperature range that varies from 60 to 200° C. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass in an enzymatic hydrolysis process.

Abstract: Naphthenate deposition is formed from tetraprotic naphthenic acids having aliphatic chains and high molecular weight, provided with four carboxylic terminations, sometimes called ARN acids. Obtaining these species from their matrix of origin requires the prior use of sample preparation methods aiming at an efficient extraction of naphthenic acids. Obtaining ARN acids from naphthenate deposits is advantageous in the potential for reusing waste and reducing environmental damage. The process also adds value to waste materials from the oil production and exploration process. The present invention relates to the field of laboratory-scale sample preparation, which describes a methodology for the specific isolation of tetraprotic naphthenic acids, called ARN acids, from residual naphthenate deposits from petroleum production.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass that comprises the step of contacting a lignocellulosic biomass with an ionic liquid consisting of a phthalic salt of dicholine in the weight ratio from 1:1 to 1:100 of biomass:ionic liquid, said step taking place for a period of time that varies from 0.4 to 48 hours and in a temperature range that varies from 60 to 200° C. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass in an enzymatic hydrolysis process.