Abstract: A process for continuously preparing a compound which bears at least two functional groups which are each independently selected from the group consisting of nitrile group, carboxylic acid group, carboxylic ester group and carboxamide group.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that relates to the recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream produced in the synthesis of carboxylic acid, typically terephthalic. More particularly, the process involves recovery of a metal catalyst from an oxidizer purge stream through the use of a pressure filter, the combining of water with a mother liquor to recover the metal catalyst and then subjecting an aqueous mixture so formed to a single stage extraction with an extraction solvent to produce an extract stream comprising organic impurities and a raffinate stream comprising the metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing carboxylic acids. It relates more particularly to a process for producing carboxylic acids by oxidation of a hydrocarbon with oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, and even more particularly to the oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid. It relates to a process comprising a step consisting of hydrolysis of the esters formed during the oxidation step.

Abstract: A free organic acid can be produced efficiently at a low cost, by subjecting an ammonium salt of organic acid A such as a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid or an amino acid, to reactive crystallization with an acid B, such as a monocarboxylic acid, wherein organic acid A and acid B satisfy the following formula (1): pKa(A)?pKa(B)??(1) where pKa(A) and pKa(B) represent ionization indices of organic acid A and acid B, respectively, provided that when they have plural values, they represent the minimum pKa among them, to separate free organic acid A in solid form.

Abstract: The techniques for processing lactic acid/lactate salt mixtures are provided. Preferred mixtures for processing are obtained from fermentation broths, preferably from fermentation processes conducted at a pH of 4.8 or lower. The techniques generally concern the provision of separated lactic acid and lactate streams, from the mixtures. Preferred techniques of separation and processing of each of the streams are provided.

Abstract: Degradation acids obtained in the synthesis of carboxylic acids, in particular dicarboxylic acids, having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms may be isolated by separating the degradation acids in the form of a solid from the crude reaction mixture, then washing the degradation acids in the form of an oil with water at an elevated temperature. The resulting degradation acids having low oxidant and metal contents, and the metal catalyst may be recirculated back to the process.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the recovery of lactic acid and products thereof from an aqueous solution containing free lactic acid and at least one lactate salt at a total concentration of at least 5%, the process comprising the steps of: extracting at least 70% of the free lactic acid from the aqueous solution by contacting the solution with a basic extractant, to form a lactic acid-containing extract and a lactic acid-depleted, lactate salt-containing aqueous solution; separating the lactic acid-containing extract from the depleted aqueous solution; and stripping the extracted lactic acid from the extract by methods known per se, to form a solution of lactic acid and a stripped extractant.

Abstract: Process for crystallization of adipic acid from a nitric acid oxidation product of cyclohexane in which process the oxidation product is subject to crystallization in a series of crystallizers of decreasing crystallization temperature.

Abstract: Process for drying moist, solid adipic acid using at least two drying stages in which moist solid adipic acid is progressively dried by contacting it in at least two successive stages with a nonreactive gas, the temperature of the first stage being lower than the temperature in any of the subsequent stages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the recovery of an organic acid, such as a heat stable lactic acid, from a feed stream which contains at least one of an organic acid amide, an organic acid ammonium salt, or an alkylamine-organic acid complex. The feed stream is mixed with at least one azeotroping agent. The azeotroping agent is a hydrocarbon capable of forming at least one azeotrope with the organic acid that is produced by the thermal decomposition of the amide, ammonium salt, or complex in the feed stream. Preferably the azeotrope is a heteroazeotrope. The mixture of the feed stream and the azeotroping agent is heated to produce a vapor stream. The azeotrope is a component of the vapor stream. The vapor stream can be condensed to a liquid stream, and the organic acid is recovered in the liquid stream that is produced. When the azeotrope is a heteroazeotrope, the vapor stream can be condensed into a liquid stream, which can be separated into a first phase and a second phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate. Pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate contains a definite composition and a definite hydrate. The present invention also relates to a method using a solid—solid reaction to produce pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate and a food comprising pharmaceutical-grade ferric citrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of adipic acid, more particularly of adipic acid crystals. It relates more specifically to a process for the treatment of the adipic acid crystals obtained on conclusion of crystallization, which consists in dispersing the adipic acid crystals collected on conclusion of crystallization in a liquid medium, in stirring the said liquid medium and in then separating the said crystals from the said liquid medium and optionally drying them. The form of the crystals is modified in order to obtain pebbles with a substantially smooth surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the conversion of an extracted carboxylic acid to a non-ionized derivative thereof, comprising contacting a carboxylic acid containing aqueous solution with a water-insoluble amine solvent, to recover acid therefrom and to form an extract carrying amine-bound carboxylic acid, characterized in that said extract is contacted with a concentrated aqueous solution of said same acid of high concentration, whereby additional acid is transferred to said extract to form a loaded extract and said loaded extract is reacted to form a non-ionized derivative of said acid, by reactions known per se, whereby said acid is converted into a non-ionised derivative form and said amine solvent is liberated for recycling.

Abstract: In industrial production of &ohgr;-hydroxyaliphatic acid being an important intermediate for large cyclic lactone-based perfumes, using dicarboxylate ester which is inexpensive and readily obtainable, a method, with high yield and improved selectively, for making a 2-(&ohgr;-alkoxycarbonylalkanoyl)-4-butanolide and an alkaline metal salt thereof, an ester of &ohgr;-hydroxy-(&ohgr;-3)-ketoaliphatic acid as a novel compound and a derivative thereof, and a method for making the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the crystallization of carboxylic acid, more particularly adipic acid, and a process for manufacturing crystalline carboxylic acid, more specifically a process for treating the reaction medium resulting from the direct oxidation of a hydrocarbon into carboxylic acid such as adipic acid, for example. More specifically, the invention relates to the crystallization of adipic acid from an organic solvent, thus removing the organic impurities contained in the said acid and thus optionally facilitating its purification by a crystallization from water.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for purifying adipic acid by crystallization or recrystallization in at least one carbolyxic acid. More precisely, it discloses an improvement in adipic acid crystallization or recrystallization, characterised in that the said crystallization or recrystallization is effected in at least one carboxylic acid with a melting point below 20° C. The presence of carbon monoxide during crystallization or recrystallization can have a favourable effect on the adipic acid purity, in particular by reducing the content of metal catalyst traces of the adipic acid. The adipic acid purity can also be improved when the crystallization or recrystallization is effected in presence of a strong proton acid.

Abstract: The techniques for processing lactic acid/lactate salt mixtures are provided. Preferred mixtures for processing are obtained from fermentation broths, preferably from fermentation processes conducted at a pH of 4.8 or lower. The techniques generally concern the provision of separated lactic acid and lactate streams, from the mixtures. Preferred techniques of separation and processing of each of the streams are provided.

Abstract: Dicarboxylic acid crystals are prepared from a solution containing at least one organic dicarboxylic acid in a process in which at least one anionic polyelectrolyte having a molecular weight of at least 2000 is added to the solution before or during the crystallization.

Abstract: An oxidation reaction mixture (e.g. adipic acid, benzoic acid, butenediol) and an oxidation catalyst are efficiently separated from a reaction mixture with the use of an aqueous solvent (e.g. methyl benzoate, benzonitrile) containing at least water (e.g. water) and a non-water-soluble solvent separable from the aqueous solvent, the reaction mixture being obtained by oxidizing a substrate (e.g. a hydrocarbon) in the presence of an imide compound such as N-hydroxyphthalimide shown by the following formula (1) as the oxidation catalyst, wherein R1 and R2 represents a substituent such as a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom; R1 and R2 may together form a double bond, or an aromatic or nonaromatic 5- to 12-membered ring; X stands for O or OH; and n is 1 to 3. No decomposition of the oxidation catalyst is observed in this separation process.

Abstract: There is provided according to the present invention a process for preparing crystalline particles, especially particles of a pharmaceutical or carrier substance suitable for inhalation therapy, in addition to apparatus for the preparation of such particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing lactic acid and products thereof from a medium containing an alkaline earth-metal salt of lactic acid, comprising (a) reacting a conjugated base of an alkali metal from a subsequent step with the medium to form a water soluble alkali metal lactate salt and a basic compound of the alkaline earth metal; (b) separating the water soluble alkali metal lactate salt and the basic compound of the alkaline earth metal; (c) splitting the water soluble alkali metal lactate to form a conjugated alkali metal base and a lactic acid product, which product is selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, a derivative thereof and combination thereof; (d) separating the conjugated alkali metal base and the lactic acid product; (e) reusing the separated conjugated alkali metal base or a product thereof in the step (a) and (f) reusing the basic compound of the alkaline earth metal separated in step (b), or a product thereof to form an alkaline earth-metal salt of lactic acid

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of controlling the oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid in the presence of a monobasic acid solvent, by separating the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the reaction zone. Substantially all the unreacted cyclohexane, the majority of adipic acid, and substantially all the monobasic acid solvent are preferably removed. A protic solvent, may be added intermittently or continuously in the reaction mixture during the removal of the monobasic acid solvent, preferably by distillation, for preventing solids precipitation. A dipolar aprotic solvent is then added in the presence of an adequate amount of the protic solvent to maintain a single liquid phase, followed by a step of formation of two liquid phases, a solids-free protic liquid phase containing substantially all the catalyst, and a solids-free aprotic liquid phase containing at least the majority of ingredients of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of controlling the oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid in the presence of a monobasic acid solvent, by extracting the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the reaction zone. Substantially all the unreacted cyclohexane, the majority of adipic acid, and preferably substantially all the monobasic acid solvent are removed from the reaction product. In the case that substantially all the monobasic acid solvent is removed, protic solvent, is added intermittently or continuously in the reaction mixture during the removal of the monobasic acid solvent, preferably by distillation, thus preventing solids precipitation. Dipolar aprotic solvent is then added in the presence of an adequate amount of the protic solvent (the total of dipolar aprotic solvent and the protic solvent constituting a novel combination solvent) to maintain a single liquid phase, followed by a step of extracting substantially all the catalyst in protic solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of replacing water and cyclohexanone with acetic acid in an aqueous solution of catalyst, preferably a cobalt compound. Such an aqueous solution is produced by extracting catalyst with water from a cyclohexanone/water solution of reaction products made by the direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid. The replacement of both water and cyclohexanone are conducted in a solvent exchange column, wherein acetic acid dissolves the catalyst, while water vapors force the cyclohexanone into a condenser, followed by a decanter wherein two liquid phases may be formed and separated; an upper liquid phase containing a majority of cyclohexanone and a lower liquid phase containing a majority of water. The cyclohexanone may be removed in a pretreatment zone, wherein also part of the water may be removed, before the concentrated catalyst extract enters the solvent exchange column.

Abstract: Polycarboxylic acids are purified by contacting a crude polycarboxylic acid with a solvent to produce a substantially pure polycarboxylic acid. The solvent is chosen so that the impurities are soluble in the solvent and the polycarboxylic acid is insoluble in the solvent.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for the crystallization of di-carboxylic acids comprising dissolving the crude dicarboxylic acid at a temperature sufficient to dissolve the crude diacid in the solvent, whereby portion of the said solvent evaporates, increasing the concentration of the dicarboxylic acid in the said solution, transferring the said solution from the evaporator to a crystallizer, comprising a solid cylindrical impeller conforming to the shape of the crystallizer related by means of a cylindrical shaft attached to the spped motor, adding the additives selected from surfactants, buffer salts and/or acid salts or mixture thereof in the said evaporated solution in the said crystallizer, cooling the said mixture resulting in the formation of crystals of dicarboxylic acids, wherein the said crystallization takes place in the annular space between the impeller and the crystallizer wall.

Abstract: A process for recovering carboxylic acids from an aqueous mixture such as a fermentation broth using a solvent containing at least one olefin without the need for first removing the spent microorganism cells is provided. A co-solvent which increases the partition coefficient of the solvent relative to the carboxylic acid may optionally be included.

Abstract: A method is described for producing saturated dicarboxylic acids with a chain length of C6 to C21 or the corresponding diamidic dicarboxylic acids from fatty acid cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids or the bis-fatty acid diamides of these unsaturated fatty acids by oxidative ozonolysis and subsequent separation and purification of the dicarboxylic acids, whereby after oxidative ozonolysis, the reaction products are dissolved at a high temperature in a carboxylic acid or a mixture of several carboxylic acids with a medium chain length of C6 to C12 or esters of short-chain alcohols of these carboxylic acids as the recrystallization solvent.

Abstract: A process for recovering a desired organic acid from a solution includes the steps of: providing an aqueous solution including at least one desired organic acid or its acid anion; adjusting the proton concentration in the aqueous solution to a desired level, with the desired proton concentration being selected, at least in part, by the amount of available protons needed to associate with the acid anions of the desired organic acid(s) to be recovered and/or acid anions that are weaker than the desired organic acids; and recovering at least a portion of the at least one desired organic acid from the aqueous phase. The desired proton concentration can be based on the amount of available protons being greater than, less than or substantially equal, to the amount of protons needed to associate with the anion of the desired organic acid(s) and acid anions that are weaker than the desired organic acid(s).

Abstract: The techniques for processing lactic acid/lactate salt mixtures are provided. Preferred mixtures for processing are obtained from fermentation broths, preferably from fermentation processes conducted at a pH of 4.8 or lower. The techniques generally concern the provision of separated lactic acid and lactate streams, from the mixtures. Preferred techniques of separation and processing of each of the streams are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to oxidative methods for controlling the oxidation of a class of compounds, including hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane for example, alcohols, such as cyclohexanol for example, ketones, such as cyclohexanone for example, and peroxides, such as cyclohexylhydroperoxide for example, to intermediate oxidation products, such as adipic acid for example, by the removing the catalyst, such as cobalt compounds for example, from the oxidation mixture, outside the oxidation zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. The catalyst is at least partially precipitated by following the steps of changing the temperature to be within a specific range, and sequentially reducing the water level to such a degree that causes the catalyst to precipitate. The precipitated catalyst is thereafter preferably filtered from the oxidation mixture and recycled to the oxidation zone.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids, particularly dicarboxylic acids, are separated from a fermentation broth by adjusting the pH of the fermentation broth to about 2.0 or below, and then heating the broth to a temperature sufficient to cause formation of three immiscible phases, one of which is an organic phase containing the carboxylic acids.

Abstract: There is described a process for the production of a substantially anhydrous salt of an organic acid which comprises reacting a basic compound of a metal with the appropriate organic acid, removing a substantial proportion of water present so as to produce the salt or its hydrate as a liquid phase and then dissolving the liquid phase in a non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: A method for extracting leachable contaminants from ion exchange resins comprises exposing the resin to supercritical carbon dioxide for a sufficient interval of time to allow at least a portion of the leachable contaminant to be solubilized by the supercritical carbon dioxide; followed by removal from the resin of the supercritical carbon dioxide having the leachable contaminant dissolved therein. The method is particularly useful for removing organic contaminants, which may or may not contain sodium or chlorine, from the resin, to thereby provide ion exchange resins which are suitable for critical use applications in the nuclear, electronics, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Abstract: A method for reducing the carbonyl value of a composition containing carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative includes contacting the composition containing carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative with an amount of a catalyst and active methylene compound effective to lower the carboxyl value of the composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reactor devices for controlling the oxidation of hydrocarbons to dibasic acids, in the presence of a cobalt catalyst and a monobasic acid, such as acetic acid, by treating the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the oxidation zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. In one preferred embodiment, the catalyst is reduced to contain, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, cobalt ions in valence II, and at least partially precipitated by de-watering and/or thermal treatment. In a different preferred embodiment, the catalyst in the reaction mixture is first oxidized or maintained, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, at valence III, the reaction mixture is de-watered, the catalyst is reduced, preferably predominantly and more preferably substantially, to valence II, causing precipitation either spontaneously at a predetermined temperature or after further thermal treatment.

Abstract: The techniques for processing lactic acid/lactate salt mixtures are provided. Preferred mixtures for processing are obtained from fermentation broths, preferably from fermentation processes conducted at a pH of 4.8 or lower. The techniques generally concern the provision of separated lactic acid and lactate streams, from the mixtures. Preferred techniques of separation and processing of each of the streams are provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for purifying adipic acid in water. More precisely it discloses an improvement in adipic acid crystallization or recrystallization in water, characterised in that the said crystallization or recrystallization is effected in presence of a strong proton acid and/or in the presence of carbon monoxide. This crystallization or recrystallization particularly enables the content of metal catalyst traces in the adipic acid to be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous phase process for purifying long-chain dicarboxylic acids from a liquid containing a long-chain dicarboxylic acid/or a salt thereof. The invention overcomes the disadvantages of low purity and high chroma of the product obtained by using the aqueous phase process of the prior art. Through the step of crystallizing the monosalt of long-chain dicarboxylic acid, the present process reduces effectively the content of such impurities as proteins and coloring materials in the product and obtains the long-chain dicarboxylic acid product having a total acid content of greater than 99 wt % and exhibiting a white appearance.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for controlling the oxidation of hydrocarbons to intermediate oxidation products, such as adipic acid for example, by removing the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the reaction zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. The catalyst is at least partially precipitated by reducing the water level in the reaction mixture and subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature, at which or over which catalyst precipitates.

Abstract: A method of recovering adipic acid and 6-hydroxycaproic acid from the waste solution of alkali metal salts of organic acids coming from the process of cyclohexane oxidation, which comprises:(i) basifying the reaction mixture coming from cyclohexane oxidation with an aqueous solution of an alkali-metal base so that the organic acids essentially comprising adipic acid and 6-hydroxycaproic acid therein, are saponified, extracting the formed alkali metal salts of organic acids from the mixture with water, then acidifying the aqueous extract comprising the alkali metal salts of organic acids to a pH value of 3 or lower with an aqueous solution of a protic inorganic acid, as a result, said aqueous extract is separated into an oily layer and an aqueous layer;(ii) extracting the organic acid from said oily layer obtained from the step (i) with an aqueous solution of a protic inorganic acid, to obtain an aqueous extract;(iii) extracting the organic acid from the aqueous layer obtained from the step (i) with an organic

Abstract: A crystalline solid which has a sufficiently low hygroscopicity for processing and use and essentially consists of glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivatives is prepared by adjusting the water content of the starting material containing the glycine-N,N-diacetic acid derivatives to a value of from 10 to 30% by weight, based on the starting material, and subsequently bringing about crystallization.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of removing acetic acid from cyclohexane in the direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid, especially after recycling catalyst which is precipitated by introduction of additional cyclohexane. The removal of acetic acid is preferably conducted by use of rather small amounts of wash-water in one to three stage extractors. A two stage reactor is preferable as being more efficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing reaction mixtures obtained from the oxidation reaction of cyclohexane to adipic acid. The processing of the reaction mixture obtained from the direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid with oxygen, in an organic solvent and in the presence of a catalyst, comprises:(a) a distillation which makes it possible to separate out, on the one hand, a distillate comprising at least some of the most volatile compounds such as the unconverted cyclohexane, the organic solvent, cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol, cyclohexyl esters, lactones and water, and, on the other hand, the distillation residue comprising the diacids formed and the catalyst;(b) the addition of water to the distillation residue in order to form an aqueous solution;(c) crystallization of the adipic acid from the aqueous solution of the distillation residue.

Abstract: A process for decomposing a thermoplastic polymer composition which comprises a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid base polymer as a primary component in an alkaline solution, recovering hydroxycarboxylic acid from the solution by electrodialysis or acid-precipitation and using the recovered hydroxycarboxylic acid for a polymer material, when desired, is provided.

Abstract: Recovery of carboxylic acid from an amine-based, water-immiscible organic extractant solution thereof that contains an enhancer, by extraction of the acid into an aqueous phase. A low molecular, at least partly water-miscible organic compound being a C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkanol, an acetate of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkanol and acetone is used as enhancer. In operation, the enhancer is recovered and recycled. The process is applicable, among others, to the recovery of carboxylic acid from a fermentation broth.

Abstract: A process is described for producing organic acids such as lactic acid. The process includes the steps of producing lactic acid by fermentation, resulting in an aqueous fermentation broth containing lactic acid, and adding a calcium base, such as calcium carbonate, to the fermentation broth, thereby producing calcium lactate in the broth. Biomass is removed from the broth, thereby leaving an aqueous solution or dispersion of calcium lactate. The calcium lactate is reacted with a source of ammonium ions, such as ammonium carbonate, or a mixture of ammonia and carbon dioxide, thereby producing an ammonium lactate. Contaminating cations can be removed by ion exchange. The free lactic acid or a derivative thereof can be separated from the ammonium ions, preferably by salt-splitting electrodialysis.

Abstract: A process for recycling a catalyst containing cobalt including treating a reaction mixture obtained during the direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid by extracting at least some of the glutaric acid and succinic acid which are formed in the reaction.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of xylaric acid, characterized in that it consists of the oxidative degradation of 5-ketogluconic acid in alkaline medium using oxygen or a gas containing it.The xylaric acid obtained is of use as a calcium-chelating agent or as a component of polyhydroxypolyamides or as an intermediate in the synthesis of xylitol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for reducing the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in the electrodialytic purification of organic acids. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of nanofiltration and chelating agents for removal of impurities from an organic acid-containing feed material to reduce the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in electrodialysis.