Catalyst system and process for converting glycerol to lactic acid

摘要

A process for producing lactic acid from glycerol using a reaction mixture comprising glycerol, a dehydrogenation catalyst (preferably a copper-based catalyst), an alkaline component, and water.

主权项

1. A process for producing lactic acid from glycerol comprising forming a reaction mixture comprising glycerol, an alkaline component, water, and a dehydrogenation catalyst that is selected from the following:
a copper catalyst selected from the group consisting of metallic copper (Cu), cuprous oxide (Cu2O), cupric oxide (CuO), copper chromite (Cu2Cr2O5); a Raney catalyst selected from the group consisting of a Raney nickel catalyst or a Raney cobalt catalyst; or an elemental catalyst selected from the group consisting of, elemental palladium, or elemental rhodium, wherein said elemental catalyst is supported on a support; and wherein the process is carried out without adding hydrogen or oxygen.