Bio-based terephthalate polyesters

摘要

Bio-based terephthalic acid (bio-TPA), bio-based dimethyl terephthalate (bio-DMT), and bio-based polyesters, which are produced from a biomass containing a terpene or terpenoid, such as limonene are described, as well as the process of making these products. The bio-based polyesters include poly(alkylene terephthalate)s such as bio-based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (bio-PET), bio-based poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (bio-PTT), bio-based poly(butylene terephthalate) (bio-PBT), and bio-based poly(cyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate) (bio-PCT).

主权项

1. A process of making a compound comprising bio-based 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol of Formula VII:the process comprising:
(a) providing a biomass comprising a terpene, terpenoid or a mixture thereof; (b) converting the terpene, terpenoid, or mixture thereof to para-cymene at a yield of at least 95%; (c) converting the para-cymene to terephthalic acid at a total yield of at least 85% by a two-step oxidation comprising:
(i) a first step using a mineral acid, and(ii) a second step using a transition metal oxidant, the oxidation being performed in the absence of chromium oxide; and (d) converting the terephthalic acid to the bio-based 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, wherein the bio-based 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol has a mean bio-based content of at least 5%; wherein the biomass is a biological material which excludes organic material that has been transformed by geological processes into a member selected from the group consisting of petroleum, petrochemicals, and combinations thereof.