Abstract: Processes are described for improved utilization of the byproduct acetic acid universally produced in various oxidative processes for making acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, wherein at least a portion of the byproduct acetic acid is converted to isobutene and optionally to one or more further value-added products which may be prepared from isobutene.

Abstract: Processes are described for making biobased isoprene, wherein a biobased isobutene prepared from acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst is combined with a formaldehyde source to form a reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture is reacted to yield biobased isoprene. In certain embodiments, methyl-tert-butyl ether prepared by reacting the same biobased isobutene with methanol serves as a formaldehyde source, being oxidatively cracked to produce formaldehyde as well as isobutene for being converted to the biobased isoprene.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting acetic acid to propylene and isobutene as the principal hydrocarbon products made, in the presence of a catalyst and in the further presence of hydrogen. In certain embodiments, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst is used for carrying out a gas phase process, and propylene is produced preferentially to isobutene by using at least a certain amount of hydrogen in the process. In some embodiments, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst made by an incipient wetness impregnation method is used and is indicated to be very stable for carrying out the conversion.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting acetic acid to isobutene in the presence of a catalyst. In certain embodiments, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst is used for carrying out a gas phase process for converting acetic acid to isobutene. In some embodiments, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst made by an incipient wetness impregnation method is used and is indicated to be very stable for carrying out the conversion.

Abstract: Wholly biobased MTBE and ETBE fuel additive materials are described, together with fuel compositions including such additives and processes for making the wholly biobased MTBE and ETBE using isobutene prepared from acetic acid in the presence of a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst.

Abstract: Processes are described for making methacrylic acid via methacrolein from a biobased isobutene, wherein the biobased isobutene is prepared from ethanol or from acetic acid in the presence of a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst, the biobased isobutene is oxidized to methacrolein and the methacrolein is further oxidized to methacrylic acid.

Abstract: ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalysts having improved stability for the conversion of ethanol to isobutene are described, together with methods for making such catalysts.

Abstract: Processes are described for improved utilization of the byproduct acetic acid universally produced in various oxidative processes for making acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, wherein at least a portion of the byproduct acetic acid is converted to isobutene and optionally to one or more further value-added products which may be prepared from isobutene.

Abstract: A process is described for making renewable isobutene and renewable isoprene, comprising converting a mixed acid feed including acetic acid and propionic acid to a product mixture including isobutene and at least one or both of 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene in the presence of a catalyst, separating isobutene from the product mixture and dehydrogenating either or both of the 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene in the remainder to provide isoprene.

Abstract: A process is provided for carrying out an oxidation on a sprayable feed including a furanic substrate to be oxidized and a catalytically effective combination of cobalt, manganese, and bromide components for catalyzing the oxidation of the furanic substrate, which process comprises spraying the feed into a reactor vessel as a mist, supplying an oxidant, reacting the furanic substrate and the oxidant, and managing the exothermic temperature rise due to the reaction through a selection and control of the operating pressure within the reactor vessel. A crude dehydration product from the dehydration of fructose, glucose or both, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, can be directly oxidized by the process to produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid in surprisingly increased yields.

Abstract: Presently disclosed are processes for making acrylic acid and methacrylic acid along with their respective esters, from alkylene glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. In particular, biobased acrylic acid and acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid and methacrylic acid esters can be made starting with bioderived glycols from the hydrogenolysis of glycerol, sorbitol and the like.

Abstract: A process is described for making a product mixture including isobutene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene from a mixture of acetic acid and propionic and through reaction in the presence of a source of hydrogen and of a mixed oxide catalyst, for example, a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst.

Abstract: A process is described for making renewable para-xylene, comprising converting acetic acid to isobutene in the presence of a catalyst then converting the acetic acid-derived isobutene to a product composition including para-xylene. The catalyst can be a ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalyst.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing bioderived dipropylene and tripropylene glycols without using propylene oxide. The method utilizes a bioderived (mono)propylene glycol as a feed, and in one embodiment performs an acid-catalyzed condensation process to convert the bioderived propylene glycol to products including at least dipropylene glycol and preferably including tripropylene glycol as well. Wholly biobased dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol products and derivative products made therefrom are described, with compositions of matter including the wholly biobased dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol or a derivative thereof and describing uses of the various wholly biobased products or of the compositions including the wholly biobased products. Biobased polypropylene glycols may be made in the same manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions including biobased monomers derived from biological sources for the synthesis of polymers from bioderived carbon. The monomers and resulting polymers are comparable to petroleum derived monomers and polymers, but have a carbon isotope ratio characteristic of bioderived materials. Methods for synthesizing polymers having 100% biobased materials are also disclosed.