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Process for beta-lactone production

  • US 9,493,391 B2
  • Filed: 09/17/2015
  • Issued: 11/15/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A continuous method of making poly(3-hydroxy propionic acid) from ethylene oxide, the method comprising steps of:

  • reacting the contents of a feed stream comprising ethylene oxide, a solvent, a carbonylation catalyst and carbon monoxide to produce a liquid reaction product stream comprising beta-propiolactone and a carbonylation catalyst;

    separating at least a portion of the beta-propiolactone in the reaction product stream from the carbonylation catalyst to produce a liquid catalyst recycling stream comprising carbonylation catalyst;

    polymerizing at least a portion of the separated beta-propiolactone to produce poly(3-hydroxy propionic acid); and

    adding the liquid catalyst recycling stream to the feed stream.

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