Bio-based 1,4-BDO Production via Succinic Acid Esterification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for producing 1,4-butanediol (BDO) rely on petrochemical-based raw materials, which are scarce and non-renewable, leading to environmental concerns and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A method using succinic acid from a bio-based source for esterification with an alcohol compound, followed by hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a supported copper-based catalyst to produce bio-based 1,4-BDO.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If petrochemical-based raw materials are used for BDO production, then production costs are high and environmental pollution increases, but the process is well-established and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of raw material source from petrochemical to bio-based (succinic acid), transforming the chemical feedstock to achieve environmental benefits while maintaining process reliability through controlled esterification and hydrogenation parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts and applies the proven Reppe process hydrogenation technology to a new bio-based feedstock (succinic acid ester), copying the reliable catalytic hydrogenation methodology while modifying the substrate to achieve both environmental and economic goals
2Productivity
If traditional Reppe method is used with high acetylene partial pressure, then reaction efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase and equipment investment cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dangerous acetylene component from the reaction system, replacing it with succinic acid as the carbon source, thereby removing the safety hazard of high acetylene partial pressure while maintaining production efficiency through alternative reaction pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces succinic acid and its esters as intermediary compounds that serve as safe alternatives to acetylene, enabling the hydrogenation reaction to proceed efficiently without the need for high-acetylene-pressure equipment and safety infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If bio-based succinic acid is used as raw material, then environmental benefits and renewability are achieved, but production process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conversion process into two distinct, well-controlled stages: esterification (succinic acid + alcohol → ester) and hydrogenation (ester → BDO), allowing each stage to be optimized independently and simplifying the overall process management despite using renewable feedstock
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a supported copper-based catalyst that serves multiple functions: it catalyzes the hydrogenation of various ester intermediates and maintains high activity and selectivity throughout the process, reducing the need for multiple specialized catalysts and process adjustments
4Manufacturing precision
If supported copper-based catalyst is used for hydrogenation, then conversion rate and selectivity are improved, but catalyst cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a supported copper-based catalyst where copper particles are dispersed on a porous support material, increasing the effective surface area and catalytic activity per unit mass of copper, thereby achieving high selectivity and conversion rate while reducing the total amount of expensive copper metal required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite catalyst system combining copper metal particles with a solid support material (such as alumina, silica, or activated carbon), leveraging the synergistic effects to enhance catalytic performance and stability, allowing the use of lower copper loadings while maintaining high manufacturing precision
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 method achieves high purity and selectivity of bio-based 1,4-BDO, with a conversion rate of ≥99.5% and selectivity of ≥98.0%, while reducing carbon emissions and environmental pollution, and offering economic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
mixing succinic acid from a bio-based source and an alcohol compound to obtain a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to esterification to obtain an oligomer polyester
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the oligomer polyester to hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a 1,4-BDO crude product
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the oligomer polyester to hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a supported copper-based catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) is provided, including: mixing succinic acid from a bio-based source and an alcohol compound to obtain a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to esterification to obtain an oligomer polyester; subjecting the oligomer polyester to hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a 1,4-BDO crude product; and purifying the 1,4-BDO crude product to obtain the bio-based 1,4-BDO.