Preparation of levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from biomass and olefins
First Claim
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1. A process for preparing a mixture comprising levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from biomass, the process comprising the steps of:
- (a) contacting the biomass with water in the presence of a first acid catalyst to form a first reaction mixture comprising levulinic acid, formic acid and furfural, the first reaction mixture having a liquid phase and, optionally, a solid phase;
(b) optionally, separating the liquid phase from the solid phase of the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture;
(c) removing the furfural from the first reaction mixture or the second reaction mixture to form a third reaction mixture;
(d) contacting the first reaction mixture, the second reaction mixture, or the third reaction mixture with at least one olefin, optionally, in the presence of a second acid catalyst, to produce a fourth reaction mixture, the fourth reaction mixture having an organic phase and an aqueous phase;
(e) separating the organic phase containing levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from the aqueous phase of the fourth reaction mixture; and
(f) optionally, isolating the mixture comprising levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from the organic phase of step (e).
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Abstract
This invention relates to a process for producing a mixture of levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from biomass and olefins, and the composition prepared therefrom. This invention also relates to usage of the mixture of these esters as fuel and as fuel additives for gasoline fuel, diesel fuel, and biofuel.
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17 Claims
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1. A process for preparing a mixture comprising levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from biomass, the process comprising the steps of:
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(a) contacting the biomass with water in the presence of a first acid catalyst to form a first reaction mixture comprising levulinic acid, formic acid and furfural, the first reaction mixture having a liquid phase and, optionally, a solid phase; (b) optionally, separating the liquid phase from the solid phase of the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture; (c) removing the furfural from the first reaction mixture or the second reaction mixture to form a third reaction mixture; (d) contacting the first reaction mixture, the second reaction mixture, or the third reaction mixture with at least one olefin, optionally, in the presence of a second acid catalyst, to produce a fourth reaction mixture, the fourth reaction mixture having an organic phase and an aqueous phase; (e) separating the organic phase containing levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from the aqueous phase of the fourth reaction mixture; and (f) optionally, isolating the mixture comprising levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from the organic phase of step (e). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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