Methods of producing para-xylene and terephthalic acid

US9260359B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MICROMIDAS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Makoto N. Masuno · Elk Grove, US
• Douglas Cannon · Sacramento, US
• John Bissell · Sacramento, US
• Ryan L. Smith · Sacramento, US
• Alex B. Wood · Sacramento, US
• Patrick B. Smith · Midland, US
• Dennis A. Hucul · Midland, US
• Katherine Brune · Goleta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 16, 2016
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C2531/12
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.