Bio-1,2-Alkanediol Synthesis via Regioselective Dehydration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current personal care and consumer products face challenges with microbial contamination due to the use of traditional, petrochemically-based preservatives, which are limited by legislative restrictions, consumer preferences, and sustainability concerns, while there is a need for more efficient and renewable antimicrobial alternatives.

Innovation Solution

The development of a process to synthesize bio-1,2-alkanediols from natural and renewable feedstocks, using a regioselective dehydration method with a modified γ-alumina catalyst, to produce bio-based preservatives that can be used alone or in combination with other antimicrobials, enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional petrochemically-based preservatives are used, then antimicrobial efficacy is achieved, but sustainability and consumer acceptance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidsustainability and consumer acceptance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the source parameter of the preservative from petrochemical to renewable plant-based feedstock, transforming the chemical composition while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing a sustainable alternative that meets both efficacy requirements and consumer sustainability preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses readily available renewable plant-based feedstocks (such as vegetable oils) that can be continuously replenished, replacing depleting petrochemical resources. This approach provides a sustainable, renewably-sourced preservative system that maintains effectiveness while improving sustainability and consumer acceptance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If alternative natural preservatives are used, then sustainability is improved, but antimicrobial efficacy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoidantimicrobial efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the chemical structure parameters of the plant-based diols to achieve optimal antimicrobial activity. By carefully selecting and synthesizing specific 1,2-diol structures from renewable feedstocks, the invention maintains high antimicrobial efficacy comparable to traditional preservatives while preserving the sustainability advantage of natural sourcing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If regioselective dehydration method is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveregioselectivityVSAvoidcatalyst modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a modified γ-alumina catalyst as an intermediary to facilitate the regioselective dehydration reaction. The catalyst modification creates specific active sites that guide the reaction toward the desired 1,2-diol product, achieving high manufacturing precision while the catalyst itself can be prepared through standard modification procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides a sustainable and effective antimicrobial solution by producing bio-1,2-alkanediols with high regioselectivity and chemical yield, addressing the limitations of traditional preservatives and enhancing the antimicrobial performance of products.

Implementation Method 1

using a regioselective dehydration method with a modified γ-alumina catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

dehydration of a bio-1-alcohol to a bio-1-alkene

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDehydration:

Implementation Method 3

converting the bio-1-alkene to a bio-1,2-alkanediol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydration:

Data Source

PatentUS11414365B2Natural 1,2-alkanediols, compositions having natural 1,2-alkanediols and processes for making the same

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 INOLEX INVESTMENT CORP

AI summary

A process is incorporated herein for the synthesis of bio-1,2-alkanediols, comprising: providing a bio-alkene having a carbon chain of about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms and a bio-1-alkene regioselectivity of at least about 80%, at least about 92% and/or at least about 95%; and converting the bio-alkene to a bio-1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain length of about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms. Methods for treating catalysts which may be incorporated in the process for the synthesis of bio-1,2-alkanediols are also included herein. Such bio-1,2-alkanediols are used in compositions and products alone as antimicrobial materials, or with existing bio-compounds and/or antimicrobials, preservatives, alternative preservation systems and/or hurdle technology components. The bio-1,2-alkanediols incorporate a natural and bio-based pathway for antimicrobial effects in various compositions such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, industrial and household products.