PURIFICATION OF 3-HYDROXYPROPIONIC ACID FROM CRUDE CELL BROTH AND DEHYDRATION TO ACRYLIC ACID

摘要

A process for the purification of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is described. A process for converting 3-HP to acrylic acid is described. This process involves vaporizing an aqueous 3-HP solution, and contacting the 3-HP/water vapor with a catalyst or an inert surface area in a fixed bed reactor at a controlled temperature range, thereby converting the 3-HP to acrylic acid.