Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing succinate ester from a succinic acid salt present in a fermentation broth. In the first stage of this invention, renewable carbon resources are utilized to produce succinic acid in the form of a succinic acid salt through biological fermentation. The succinic acid salt present in the fermentation broth is subjected to double displacement reaction with a strong acid leading to the release of succinic acid. Succinic acid is recovered by fractional crystallization integrated with an alcohol washing step and subjected to esterification reaction to produce succinate ester which is purified by fractional distillation. The succinate ester thus obtained is converted into 1,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran through hydrogenation reactions. The succinate ester can also be hydrolyzed to yield highly pure succinic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing succinate ester from a succinic acid salt present in a fermentation broth. In the first stage of this invention, renewable carbon resources are utilized to produce succinic acid in the form of a succinic acid salt through biological fermentation. The succinic acid salt present in the fermentation broth is subjected to double displacement reaction with a strong acid leading to the release of succinic acid. Succinic acid is recovered by fractional crystallization integrated with an alcohol washing step and subjected to esterification reaction to produce succinate ester which is purified by fractional distillation. The succinate ester thus obtained is converted into 1,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran through hydrogenation reactions. The succinate ester can also be hydrolyzed to yield highly pure succinic acid.