Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing acrylic acid from beta-propiolactone. Such methods may involve the use of a heterogeneous catalyst, such as a zeolite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for producing isocyanates and isocyanate derivatives from epoxide and carbon monoxide reagents. In preferred embodiments, the processes include a step for providing carbonylation of an epoxide reagent with a carbon monoxide reagent to produce a beta-lactone intermediate. In certain preferred embodiments, further carbonylation of a beta-lactone intermediate produces a succinic anhydride intermediate. The processes of the present invention include steps for rearranging beta-lactone intermediates and/or succinic anhydride intermediates to produce isocyanate products and/or isocyanate derivatives. In certain preferred embodiments, the isocyanate products may be copolymerized with polyol oligomers to provide polyurethane products.

Abstract: The integrated processes herein provide improved carbon efficiency for processes based on coal or biomass gasification or steam methane reforming. Provided are also ethylene oxide carbonylation products such as beta-propiolactone and succinic anhydride having a bio-based content between 0% and 100%, and methods for producing and analyzing the same.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing polyamides from beta-lactones. The polyamides include bio-based polyamides that may be obtained, either in part or completely, from renewable sources.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing polyamides from beta-lactones. The polyamides include bio-based polyamides that may be obtained, either in part or completely, from renewable sources.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing sulfur- and phosphorus-containing polymers from beta-lactones. The sulfur- and phosphorus-containing polymers include bio-based sulfur- and phosphorus-containing polymers that may be obtained from renewable sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel solutions to the problem of recycling carbonylation catalysts in epoxide carbonylation processes. The inventive methods are characterized in that the catalyst is recovered in a form other than as active catalyst. In some embodiments, catalyst components are removed selectively from the carbonylation product stream in two or more processing steps. One or more of these separated catalyst components are then utilized to regenerate active catalyst which is utilized during another time interval to feed a continuous carbonylation reactor.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for producing biodegradable beta-propiolactone-based polyester polymers from renewable EO and CO on an industrial scale.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are integrated methods and systems for the production of acrylamide and acrylonitrile compounds and other compounds from at least beta-lactones and/or beta-hydroxy amides.

Abstract: Provided herein are integrated methods and systems for the production of acrylamide and acrylonitrile compounds and other compounds from at least beta-lactones and/or beta-hydroxy amides.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for converting an epoxide to a first C3 product, a second C3 product, and/or a first C4 product within an integrated system. The method includes converting the epoxide to a beta lactone to produce an outlet stream comprising beta lactone. The method includes converting the beta lactone of the outlet stream to a first C3 product in the first C3 reactor to produce an outlet stream comprising the first C3 product; converting the beta lactone to a second C3 product in the second C3 reactor to produce an outlet stream comprising the second C3 product, and/or converting the beta lactone to a first C4 product in the first C4 reactor to produce an outlet stream comprising the first C4 product.

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 composition includes: polypropiolactone having a concentration of greater than at least 90 wt %; a residual cobalt or ions thereof from a carbonylation catalyst in an amount of 10 ppm or less; acetic acid in an amount of 10 ppm or less; and tetrahydrofuran in amount of 10 ppm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the production of polyacrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers from ethylene oxidation to form ethylene oxide. Reacting the ethylene oxide with carbon monoxide to form to beta propiolactone (BPL) or polypropiolactone (PPL), or a combination thereof. An outlet configured to provide a carbonylation stream comprising the BPL or PPL, or a combination thereof and using one or more reactors to convert BPL to acrylic acid or to convert at least some of the BPL to PPL, and then to convert PPL to acrylic acid. An outlet configured to provide a PPL stream to a second reactor tm to convert at least some of the PPL to AA or a third reactor to convert at least some of the PPL to AA. The outlet configured to provide an AA stream to a fourth reactor to convert the AA to polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are absorbent polymers produced from beta-propiolactone, and methods and systems of producing such polymers. The beta-propiolactone may be derived from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide. The absorbent polymer may be bio-based and/or biodegradable. The absorbent polymers may be used for diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products, as well as for agricultural applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are integrated methods and systems for the production of acrylamide and acrylonitrile compounds and other compounds from at least beta-lactones and/or beta-hydroxy amides.

Abstract: The integrated processes herein provide improved carbon efficiency for processes based on coal or biomass gasification or steam methane reforming. Provided are also ethylene oxide carbonylation products such as beta-propiolactone and succinic anhydride having a bio-based content between 0% and 100%, and methods for producing and analyzing the same.

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 herein are metal-organic frameworks having a repeating core structure that generally includes a linker coordinated to a secondary building unit through O-metal-O bonds. The linkers create a framework with a plurality of pores, where a cobalt carbonyl moiety occupies at least a portion of the plurality of pores. Provided are also methods of making such metal-organic frameworks via a solvothermal reaction. The metal-organic frameworks are suitable for use in carbonylation reactions, such as carbonylation of epoxides. The metal-organic frameworks may be used for producing acrylic acid from ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide on an industrial scale.