Abstract: The present invention relates to a xylitol preparation device integrating evaporation, crystallization and centrifugation, including a xylitol tank, a cleaning liquid tank, a recycling tank and a multiple distribution system, wherein the multiple distribution system includes J groups of evaporators for evaporation concentration, K groups of vacuum crystallization kettles for vacuum crystallization and L groups of centrifuges for centrifugation, wherein 2?J?6, 6?K?12 and 2?L?4; the evaporator, the vacuum crystallization kettle and the centrifuge in different groups are sequentially connected in series with one another through a pipeline and a valve respectively; by controlling on and off of each valve, a xylitol exchange liquid is switched and controlled between a series-connection mode and a parallel-connection mode in the multiple distribution system to enable evaporation, crystallization and separation processes to reach an optimal effect distribution so as to improve productivity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a diol. In the method, a saccharide and hydrogen as raw materials are contacted with a catalyst in water to prepare the diol. The employed catalyst is a composite catalyst comprised of a main catalyst and a cocatalyst, wherein the main catalyst is a water-insoluble acid-resistant alloy; and the cocatalyst is a soluble tungstate and/or soluble tungsten compound. The method uses an acid-resistant, inexpensive and stable alloy needless of a support as a main catalyst, and can guarantee a high yield of the diol in the case where the production cost is relatively low.

Abstract: Disclosed are bio-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) compositions containing from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm of at least one C3-C12 1,2-diol, bio-based polyester compositions made therefrom, and methods of making the same are disclosed. Preforms and blow-molded polyester containers prepared from the bio-based MEG and polyester are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are bio-based polyester fibers, particularly a PET fibers, and a method of making the same by: contacting bio-based MEG composition with a diacid composition to form a polyester composition; and spinning and/or drawing the resulting polyester composition into a fiber; wherein the bio-based MEG composition comprises: a) monoethylene glycol (MEG); and b) from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm of at least one C3-Cy2 1,2-diol, wherein the C3-Cj2 1, 2-diol is linear, branched, or cyclic.

Abstract: Continuous processes for making ethylene glycol form aldohexose-yielding carbohydrates are disclosed which enhance the selectivity to ethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the continuous production of one or more glycols from a saccharide-containing feedstock, said process comprising the steps of: i) contacting the saccharide-containing feedstock with hydrogen in the presence of one or more catalysts in a reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure in a continuous manner, to provide a reaction effluent stream comprising hydrogen and one or more glycols; ii) separating hydrogen from the reaction effluent stream, without substantial de-pressurization of said reaction effluent stream to provide a separated hydrogen stream and a liquid effluent stream; and iii) providing at least a portion of the separated hydrogen stream as a hydrogen recycle stream to the reactor for re-use in step i).

Abstract: Methods, catalysts, and reactor systems for producing in high yield aromatic chemicals and liquid fuels from a mixture of oxygenates comprising di- and polyoxygenates are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods, catalysts, and reactor systems for producing aromatic chemicals and liquid fuels from oxygenated hydrocarbons such as carbohydrates, sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar degradation products, and the like; and methods, catalysts, and reactor systems for producing the mixture of oxygenates from oxygenated hydrocarbons such as carbohydrates, sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar degradation products, and the like. The disclosed catalysts for preparing the mixture of oxygenates comprise a Group VIII metal and a crystalline alumina support.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C2-oxygenate compounds in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: A continuous process for converting carbohydrates to ethylene and propylene glycol. The carbohydrates are mixed with water and passed through a reactor at a temperature that hydrolyzes the carbohydrate mixture at least partially to monosaccharides. The reactor has a first zone comprising a retro-aldol catalyst and a second zone comprising a reducing catalyst. The aldose is converted in the first zone into glycolaldehyde by the retro-aldol catalyst and the glycolaldehyde, in the presence of hydrogen, is converted to ethylene glycol in the second zone of the reactor. The reaction products are removed from the reactor and the ethylene glycol is recovered. The selectivity to propylene glycol can be enhanced via feeding ketose as the carbohydrate.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a carbohydrate feed; contacting at least a portion of the carbohydrate feed directly with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenolysis catalyst to produce a first reaction product comprising a stable hydroxyl intermediate; contacting at least a portion of the first reaction product comprising the stably hydroxyl intermediates with a dehydrogenation catalyst to form a second reaction product; and contacting at least a portion of the second reaction product with a condensation catalyst comprising a base functionality to form a fuel blend.

Abstract: Methods and systems for co-producing higher hydrocarbons and glycols from bio-based feedstocks containing carbohydrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a high yield of sugar alcohols containing five to six carbon atoms from cellulose-containing materials. In a first step the starting materials (for example microcrystalline cellulose, alpha-cellulose, wood and cellulose-containing residues, such as sugar cane bagasse or wood shavings) and an acid are brought into close contact with the substrates by a impregnation carried out in the liquid or gaseous phase. In addition, in a second step the starting materials impregnated with acid and preferably dried are brought into contact by the action of mechanical energy, such that the cellulose-containing materials are degraded into water-soluble products. Subsequently, in a third step, sugar alcohols having five to six carbon atoms are obtained in a high yield and in high selectivity from the water-soluble products in aqueous solution by hydrolytic hydrogenation by means of a metal-containing catalyst under hydrogen pressure.

Abstract: Method and electrochemical cells for producing xylo-pent-1,5-diose are provided. The xylo-pent-1,5-diose may be formed in a solution initially comprising D-glucuronic acid or D-glucuronic acid glycoside. The xylo-pent-1,5-diose may be formed by electrochemical oxidative decarboxylation of the D-glucuronic acid or D-glucuronic acid glycoside in the solution in the presence of a graphite foil electrode with improved current efficiency and/or current density.

Abstract: The method for hydrogenolysis of sugar or sugar alcohols comprises the steps of: mixing in the absence of any phosphine a suspension of a supported osmium catalyst, water, a sugar or sugar alcohol, and a base; pressurizing the suspension with hydrogen to a range of 30 to 90 bar at room temperature; heating the suspension to a temperature in the range of 180° C. to 250° C.; and mixing the suspension for an amount of time ranging from 1 to 6 hours.

Abstract: A process for making ethylene glycol by feeding reactants including 1,2-dioxygenated organic compounds, an organometallic homogeneous catalyst, and hydrogen to a hydrogenation reactor, reacting at least a portion of the reactants with hydrogen in the presence of the organometallic homogeneous catalyst to produce a reaction product mixture containing ethylene glycol, and passivating the catalyst by contacting the catalyst with a carbon monoxide to thereby suppress the formation of by-product diols other that the ethylene glycol primary product, and suppress the formation of by-product tetrols and by-product glycolaldehyde acetals; and separating at least a portion of the ethylene glycol from the reaction product mixture.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a sugar alcohol comprising the step of hydrolyzing a polysaccharide in the presence of hydrogen ions (H+), an alcoholic reducing agent and a hydrogen transfer catalyst to form the sugar alcohol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignoceliulosic biomass or cellulose that uses tungsten-oxide-based heterogeneous catalysts that are dispersed on an oxide-based substrate, preferably with a base of oxide(s) of aluminum and/or zirconium and/or titanium and/or niobium and containing an element in the particular metallic state. The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain directly upgradable products containing three carbon atoms, in particular hydroxyacetone and propylene glycol with high selectivity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for co-producing higher hydrocarbons and glycols from bio-based feedstocks containing carbohydrates are disclosed.

Abstract: Hydroxymethylfurfural is made from an aqueous hexose sugar solution, especially from a high fructose corn syrup product. By rapidly heating the sugar solution to the elevated temperatures involved as well as rapidly cooling the resultant product mixture, a limited per-pass conversion to HMF is obtained; correspondingly, however, the overall exposure of the HMF that is formed to acidic, elevated temperature conditions is also limited, so that byproducts are reduced. Separation and recovery of the products is simplified, and levels of HMF and other hexose dehydration products known to inhibit ethanol production by fermentation are reduced in the residual sugars product, to an extent whereby the residual sugars product is suited to be directly fermented to ethanol or for other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sorbitol syrup having a total reducing sugar content no higher than 0.2% and mannitol content of less than 1%, with 70 wt % of dry matter. Said manufacturing method is characterized in that it includes the steps of: (a) hydrolyzing a solution of sucrose in a solution of invert sugars, (b) separating the solution of invert sugar by simulated moving bed chromatography into, on the one hand, a dextrose syrup having at least 99.3%, preferably 99.4%, more preferably at least 99.5%, and even more preferably 99.7% of dextrose content and, on the other hand, a fructose syrup having at least 90%, preferably 92% of fructose content, and (c) hydrogenating said dextrose syrup into a sorbitol syrup having a reducing sugar content no higher than 0.2% and a mannitol content of less than 1%, with 70 wt % of dry matter.

Abstract: A process for converting a sugar, sugar alcohol, or glycerol to a valuable chemical is described. The process may use a support comprising zirconium oxide promoted by a polyacid or promoter material. A catalytically active metal may be impregnated on the polyacid-promoted zirconium oxide support and the catalyst may then be introduced the sugar, sugar alcohol, or glycerol a source of hydrogen under reaction conditions. At least 40 wt % of the sugar, sugar alcohol or glycerol may be converted to a polyol and/or a shorter carbon-chain alcohol that may include at least one of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, ethanol, propanol and butandiols. Specific processes for converting glycerin having a selectivity for propylene glycol and for converting sorbitol with a selectivity for propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and/or glycerin are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignocellulosic biomass or cellulose using heterogeneous catalysts that are based on tin oxide and/or antimony oxide, dispersed on a substrate and containing at least one element in the particular metal state. The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain directly upgradable products, in particular hydroxyacetone and propylene glycol with high selectivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for generating propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols from biomass using hydrogen produced from the biomass. The methods involve reacting a portion of an aqueous stream of a biomass feedstock solution over a catalyst under aqueous phase reforming conditions to produce hydrogen, and then reacting the hydrogen and the aqueous feedstock solution over a catalyst to produce propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and the other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols. The disclosed methods can be run at lower temperatures and pressures, and allows for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons without the need for hydrogen from an external source.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and apparatuses for producing a reaction product and enabling the reaction product to be removed from a reactor operating at an elevated pressure, while simultaneously maintaining the gas pressure and retaining the catalyst inside the apparatus.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting polysaccharides to platform chemicals. The process comprises dissolving the polysaccharides in a inorganic molten salt hydrate, converting the polysaccharides to monosaccharides, and converting the monosaccharides to platform chemicals that are easily separable from the inorganic molten salt hydrate. Preferably the polysaccharides are provided in the form of a biomass, more preferably a ligno-cellulosic biomass.

Abstract: Methods and systems for co-producing higher hydrocarbons and glycols from bio-based feedstocks containing carbohydrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting polysaccharides to platform chemicals. The process comprises dissolving the polysaccharides in a inorganic molten salt hydrate, converting the polysaccharides to monosaccharides, and converting the monosaccharides to platform chemicals that are easily separable from the inorganic molten salt hydrate. Preferably the polysaccharides are provided in the form of a biomass, more preferably a ligno-cellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The hydrogenation catalyst comprises from 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total catalyst, of nickel on a carbon support, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst does not comprise any rhenium. Coconut shell carbon is preferably used as support.

Abstract: A process for converting a sugar, sugar alcohol, or glycerol to a valuable chemical is described. The process may use a support comprising zirconium oxide promoted by a polyacid or promoter material. A catalytically active metal may be impregnated on the polyacid-promoted zirconium oxide support and the catalyst may then be introduced the sugar, sugar alcohol, or glycerol a source of hydrogen under reaction conditions. At least 40 wt % of the sugar, sugar alcohol or glycerol may be converted to a polyol and/or a shorter carbon-chain alcohol that may include at least one of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, ethanol, propanol and butandiols. Specific processes for converting glycerin having a selectivity for propylene glycol and for converting sorbitol with a selectivity for propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and/or glycerin are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons such as lower alcohols and more preferably 1,2-propanediol. More particularly, this invention comprises a single-step catalytic process for the catalytic production of lower alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol and 1,2-propanediol from glycerol in aqueous medium. The catalyst comprises a metal selected from the Group VIII transition metals, preferably platinum, alloys thereof and mixtures thereof and a microporous carrier, preferably a faujasite-type zeolite.

Abstract: Materials and processes for the conversion of carbohydrates and polyols to gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons. Carbohydrates and polyols are reacted in the presence of modified zeolite catalysts to form a reaction product containing non-aromatic and aromatic gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting polysaccharides to platform chemicals. The process comprises dissolving the polysaccharides in a inorganic molten salt hydrate, converting the polysaccharides to monosaccharides, and converting the monosaccharides to platform chemicals that are easily separable from the inorganic molten salt hydrate. Preferably the polysaccharides are provided in the form of a biomass, more preferably a ligno-cellulosic biomass.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing 3,3,3-trifluoropropionyl chloride, which is characterized in that 3,3,3-trifluoropropionaldehyde is chlorinated by a chlorinating agent selected from the group consisting of chlorine (Cl2), sulfuryl chloride (SO2Cl2) and organic N-chloro compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,2-glycols by hydrogenation of 1,2-dioxygenated organic compounds in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a ruthenium compound, a trivalent phosphorus compound selected from 1,1,1-tris(diarylphosphinomethyl)alkyl or substituted alkyl, and a promoter selected from Lewis acids, protic acids having an ionization constant (Ki) of 5×10?3 or greater, and onium salts. The process is useful for the hydrogenation of glycolic acid or derivatives thereof to ethylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for hydrogenating an aldehyde. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a process of hydrogenating an aldehyde with a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal, where the catalyst is complexed with carbon monoxide, at a temperature of at least 120° C. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a process of hydrogenating an aldehyde by contacting a feed comprising the aldehyde with a Group VIII metal catalyst and hydrogen in the presence of carbon monoxide at a temperature of at most 90° C. and subsequently contacting the feed and catalyst with hydrogen at a temperature of at least 120° C.

Abstract: A process for removing metal species from a composition comprising contacting: a. an oligomer mixture stream comprising the monomers of a partially aromatic polyester polymer and at least one metal species, or b. a molten polyester polymer stream comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers and at least one metal species, with a non-catalytic porous material in the presence of hydrogen to produce a treated stream containing a reduced amount of at least one metal species. There is also provided a composition comprising a partially aromatic polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in a direct esterification melt phase process, from greater than 0 to less than 50 ppm antimony, and less than 40 ppm cobalt. There is also provided a composition comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in an ester exchange melt phase process, from greater than zero to less than 5 ppm titanium, and less than 10 ppm manganese.

Abstract: A biobased replacement for propylene glycol and ethylene glycol derived from petrochemical sources is presented. The product mixture from the hydrogenolysis of certain polyols from biobased renewable resources may replace propylene glycol and ethylene glycol products from petrochemical sources. Applications and methods of the biobased hydrogenolysis product mixture are disclosed. The compositions and methods provide a feedstock for industrial use which has a 13C/12C isotope ratio characteristic of bioderived material.

Abstract: Methods for the production of erythrose and/or erythritol are provided herein. Preferably, the methods include the step of electrolytic decarboxylation of a ribonic acid or arabinonic acid reactant to produce erythrose. Optionally, the reactant can be obtained from a suitable hexose sugar, such as allose, altrose, glucose, fructose or mannose. The erythrose product can be hydrogenated to produce erythritol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a C13-alcohol mixture which is suitable, in particular, as precursor for the preparation of compounds having surfactant properties and of plasticizers.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of an organic compound containing at least one carbonyl group comprises bringing the organic compound in the presence of hydrogen into contact with a shaped body which can be produced by a process in which (i) an oxidic material comprising copper oxide, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide is made available, (ii) pulverulent metallic copper or pulverulent cement or a mixture thereof is added to the oxidic material, and (iii) the mixture resulting from (ii) is shaped to form a shaped body.

Abstract: A process comprising contacting a liquid polyester stream with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal supported on the surface of silicon carbide at a metal dispersion of at least 0.5% or graphite at a metal dispersion of at least 10% to produce a treated liquid polyester stream. The treated stream may be polycondensed in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst to produce a polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.55 dL/g. The liquid polyester stream desirably has a composition comprising: a) terephthalic acid residues, isophthalic acid residues, and/or naphthalenedicarboxylic acid residues and b) an average degree of polymerization of 0.5 to 20 and c) an acid number ranging from 5 to 600.

Abstract: In a process for the catalytic hydrogenation of a polymethylolalkanal or a monomethylolalkanal of the formula (I) where R may be identical or different and are each a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, an aryl or arylalkyl group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms or a methylol group, in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst, the hydrogenation feed comprising the polymethylolalkanal or monomethylolalkanal has a total content of metal ions of groups 3 to 14 of the Periodic Table of the Element of up to 5 ppm.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing sorbitol by catalytic hydrogenation of a monosaccharide forming sorbitol on hydrogenation in the liquid phase, which comprises the catalyst being obtainable by: i) single or multiple treatment of an amorphous silicon dioxide based support material with a halogen-free aqueous solution of a low-molecular-weight ruthenium compound and subsequent drying of the treated support material at below 200° C., ii) reducing the solid obtained in i) with hydrogen at from 100 to 350° C., step ii) being carried out immediately after step i).

Abstract: To obtain a Raney catalyst for fixed bed permitting a continuous use with a high initial activity and to produce a high purity sugar-alcohol at a low cost using the same. For this object, sugar-alcohol is produced by: using the powder type Raney catalyst made by using for the hydrogenation under the hydrogen pressure a lump form Raney catalyst made by (i) the first step for melting nickel and aluminum, (ii) the second step for obtaining quenched lump alloy by quenching droplets of said melted mixture and (iii) the third step for classifying and activating said quenched lump alloy as it is or once it is broken, collecting said lump form Raney catalyst, crushing into powder and reactivating, and hydrogenating sugars under the hydrogen pressure.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of propane-1,3-diol. The process comprises subjecting a vaporous feed mixture comprising a hydrogen-containing gas and a feedstock selected from 3-hydroxypropanal, ?-propiolactone, oligomers of ?-propiolactone, esters of 3-hydroxypropanoic acid, and mixtures of two or more thereof to hydrogenation conditions in a hydrogenation zone in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, and recovering a reaction product comprising propane-1,3-diol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for a cyclohexanedimethanol by hydrogenation of a cyclohexane-dicarboxylate ester in the presence of a Raney metal catalyst doped with rhenium. The process is useful for the reparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from dialkyl esters of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate or dialkyl terephthalates. When Raney nickel is used as the catalyst, the process produces CHDM having a high trans content.

Abstract: A process for converting lactose into polyols that includes (a) hydrolyzing lactose to produce a hydrolyzate that includes at least one monosaccharide, (b) subsequently hydrogenating the hydrolyzate to produce an alditol-containing intermediate composition, and (c) hydrogenolyzing the alditol-containing intermediate composition to produce at least one polyol.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of high-purity 1,3-butylene glycol from acetaldehyde. In the method, acetaldehyde is condensed in the presence of base to form a mixture of acetaldols, and the acetaldols are then converted to 1,3-butylene glycol by hydrogenation. Chemical treatment and distillation processes are described which provide 1,3-butylene glycol of very high purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the industrial conversion of carbohydrates, alcohols, aldehydes or polyhydroxy compounds in aqueous phase. According to the invention a catalytic method is used for the conversion, using a metal catalyst consisting of polymer-stabilized nanoparticles. A catalyst of this type is not deactivated by the conversion reaction as long as the stabilizing interaction between the polymer and the nanoparticles is maintained.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation, using molecular hydrogen (H2) of a catalytic system, wherein the catalytic system includes a base and a complex of formula (II): Ru(P2N2)Y2??(II) wherein Y represent simultaneously or independently a hydrogen or halogen atom, a hydroxy group, or an alkoxy, carboxyl or other anionic radical, and P2N2 is a tetradentate diimino-diphosphine ligand.