Method of producing lower alcohols from glycerol

US8017816B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Curators of the University of Missouri · US
• Renewable Alternatives LLC · US

Inventors

• Galen J. Suppes · Columbia, US
• William Rusty Sutterlin · Steele, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 2006
• Grant date: Sep 13, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 8, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12C11/02
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A reactive-separation process converts glycerin into lower alcohols, having boiling points less than 200° C., at high yields. Conversion of natural glycerin to propylene glycol through an acetol intermediate is achieved at temperatures from 150° to 250° C. at pressures from 1 and 25 bar. The preferred applications of the propylene glycol are as an antifreeze, deicing compound, or anti-icing compound. The preferred catalyst for this process in a copper-chromium.