METHOD FOR PRODUCING BIODERIVED DIPROPYLENE AND TRIPROPYLENE GLYCOLS WITHOUT PROPYLENE OXIDE

摘要

A method is provided for producing bioderived dipropylene and tripropylene glycols without using propylene oxide. The method utilizes a bioderived (mono)propylene glycol as a feed, and in one embodiment performs an acid-catalyzed condensation process to convert the bioderived propylene glycol to products including at least dipropylene glycol and preferably including tripropylene glycol as well. Wholly biobased dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol products and derivative products made therefrom are described, with compositions of matter including the wholly biobased dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol or a derivative thereof and describing uses of the various wholly biobased products or of the compositions including the wholly biobased products. Biobased polypropylene glycols may be made in the same manner.