Bio-Derived Ester Composition With Reduced Odor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods of producing ester compounds often result in compounds with odors, and there is a growing demand for bio-derived raw materials due to environmental considerations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the dimerization of bio-derived branched primary alcohols and carboxylic acids to produce bio-derived ester compounds with reduced odor, using specific catalysts and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional ester compound production methods are used, then ester compounds can be produced, but the produced ester compounds have unpleasant odors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of productionVSAvoidodor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure parameters of the alcohol reactant. Specifically, it uses branched-chain alcohols with 6-12 carbon atoms (such as 2-ethylhexanol) instead of conventional linear alcohols. This structural parameter change in the reactant leads to ester compounds with reduced odor, while maintaining ease of production through established esterification processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful odor property into a beneficial low-odor property by selecting specific branched-chain alcohol structures. The branching structure itself, which might seem like a complex modification, actually serves to reduce odor without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, thus converting a potential disadvantage (structural complexity) into a benefit (odor reduction)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bio-derived raw materials are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but production complexity increases due to specific dimerization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting and providing specific bio-derived branched primary alcohols with 6-12 carbon atoms as starting materials before the esterification reaction. This preliminary preparation of the alcohol component ensures that the subsequent esterification process proceeds smoothly with standard catalysts and conditions, avoiding the need for complex in-situ dimerization equipment while achieving the desired low-odor bio-derived esters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses conventional esterification catalysts (such as sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or enzyme catalysts) as intermediaries to facilitate the reaction between bio-derived branched alcohols and carboxylic acids. These catalysts mediate the reaction process, allowing the production of bio-derived esters without requiring complex specialized equipment, thus reducing production complexity while maintaining environmental benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If branched primary alcohols with 6-12 carbon atoms are used, then odor is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to dimerization step

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveodorVSAvoidease of production
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the branched primary alcohol with 6-12 carbon atoms as a pre-prepared starting material before the esterification step. This approach separates the alcohol synthesis (dimerization) from the esterification process, allowing the alcohol to be prepared in advance using established methods and then used in a simple, one-step esterification reaction with carboxylic acids using conventional catalysts, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving odor reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The method effectively produces bio-derived ester compounds with reduced odor while utilizing environmentally friendly bio-derived materials.

Implementation Method 1

the step comprising dimerizing one kind or two or more kinds selected from the group consisting of: a bio-derived linear primary alcohol having a linear alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; a bio-derived linear primary alcohol having a linear alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; a bio-derived linear aldehyde having a linear alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; and a bio-derived linear aldehyde having a linear alkenyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

a step of providing a bio-derived ester compound by using the resultant bio-derived branched primary alcohol having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and a carboxylic acid-based compound having a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an anhydride thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEsterification: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4692041A1Method for producing bio-derived ester compound, bio-derived ester compound produced thereby, cosmetic or detergent containing bio-derived ester compound, and method for reducing odor of ester compound
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ADEKA CORP
  • EP4692041A1 patent drawing
  • EP4692041A1 patent drawing
  • EP4692041A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of producing a bio-derived ester compound with reduced odor, a bio-derived ester compound produced by the production method, a cosmetic or a detergent including the ester compound, and a method of reducing an odor of an ester compound.