Biosolvent Esterification via Immiscible Phase Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing ethyl lactate-based biosolvent compositions are costly and inefficient, often requiring two-step processes, excessive alcohol, continuous water extraction, and the use of non-biological, sometimes toxic solvents, which increase environmental impact and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A one-step esterification process using lactic acid derived from biomass, ethanol, and an organic biosolvent that is immiscible with the alcohol-acid mixture, allowing for phase separation and direct extraction of esters without the need for excess alcohol or continuous water removal, utilizing a catalyst and optimizing reaction conditions for higher yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional esterification processes are used to produce ethyl lactate, then the reaction equilibrium can be shifted by using excess ethanol or continuous water removal, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
An immiscible organic solvent is introduced as an intermediary phase to extract ethyl lactate from the reaction mixture as it forms. This mediator facilitates the removal of product from the equilibrium system without requiring excess reagents or complex water removal equipment, thereby maintaining high yield while avoiding the cost penalties of traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The ethyl lactate product is continuously extracted from the reaction mixture by an immiscible organic solvent phase. This extraction removes the product from the equilibrium system, shifting the reaction forward without requiring excess ethanol or energy-intensive water removal, thus improving yield without proportionally increasing cost
2Productivity
If non-biological solvents are used for extraction in traditional processes, then the extraction efficiency may be high, but the environmental impact and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process transitions from using conventional non-biological solvents to bio-based solvents derived from renewable resources. This parameter change in solvent origin maintains extraction efficiency while eliminating the environmental and toxicity issues associated with petroleum-derived solvents, aligning with green chemistry principles
3Manufacturing precision
If a two-step process is used for biosolvent composition production, then the purification can be more thorough, but the production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The esterification reaction and product extraction are merged into a single integrated process step. The immiscible organic solvent phase performs dual functions: it serves as the reaction medium and simultaneously extracts the ethyl lactate product as it forms. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate purification steps while maintaining product quality, reducing both time and complexity
4Productivity
If excess alcohol is used to shift reaction equilibrium, then the yield of ester can be improved, but the amount of substance to be processed and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding excess alcohol to shift equilibrium, the process continuously extracts the ester product into an immiscible organic solvent phase. This removal of product from the reaction phase shifts the equilibrium forward without requiring additional reagents, thereby maintaining high yield while avoiding the waste and cost associated with excess alcohol
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 process enhances the yield of ethyl lactate, reduces production costs, and minimizes environmental discharge by eliminating the need for additional equipment and toxic solvents, while allowing for the direct production of biosolvent compositions that can be used without further purification.
Implementation Method 1
A one-step esterification process using lactic acid derived from biomass, ethanol, and an organic biosolvent
Implementation Method 2
an organic biosolvent that is immiscible with the alcohol-acid mixture, allowing for phase separation and direct extraction of esters
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for synthesising a composition including at least one biomass-derived acid ester and an organic biosolvent. The method includes an esterification reaction between at least one biomass-derived acid and at least one alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst and the organic biosolvent, said organic biosolvent being selective in relation to the ester(s) formed relative to the starting acid(s) and being immiscible with the alcoholic solution of the biomass-derived acid.