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Method for Producing Triacetin from Tobacco

  • US 20120298125A1
  • Filed: 05/27/2011
  • Published: 11/29/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for producing triacetin from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana, the method comprising:

  • (a) contacting an acylglycerol-containing first starting material derived from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana with a composition comprising an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkaline earth oxide or hydroxide, a mineral acid, or an esterase for a period of time sufficient for at least some of the acylglycerol contained in the starting material to be hydrolyzed, thereby producing an intermediate comprising glycerin;

    (b) isolating glycerin from the intermediate comprising glycerin to form an isolated glycerin reactant;

    (c) subjecting an acetate-containing second starting material derived from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana to destructive distillation, thereby producing an intermediate comprising acetic acid;

    (d) isolating acetic acid from the intermediate comprising acetic acid to form an isolated acetic acid reactant;

    (e) contacting a quantity of the isolated glycerin reactant with a quantity of the isolated acetic acid reactant under conditions favoring esterification, thereby producing triacetin.

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