D-Sorbitol Production via Transition Metal Catalyzed Hydrogenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing sorbitol, such as from corn syrup, are in need of improvement due to limitations in efficiency and versatility, and there is a requirement for new production processes that can offer higher yields and broader applications.
Innovation Solution
A transition metal-based catalyzed hydrogenation process using D-glucono-1,5-lactone as a starting material, specifically employing ruthenium or iridium complexes with organic ligands, is used to produce sorbitol in high yields, which can be carried out in non-aqueous solvents under pressure and elevated temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional corn syrup hydrogenation is used to produce sorbitol, then the process is simple and well-established, but the yield and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by using gluconolactone instead of corn syrup as substrate, employing transition metal complexes (Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Rh, Fe, Os, Ni, Co) with specific ligands instead of traditional catalysts, and conducting the reaction in non-aqueous solvents under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. These parameter changes enable achieving up to 98% sorbitol yield while maintaining process feasibility through systematic optimization of reaction conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If gluconolactone hydrogenation with transition metal complexes is used, then sorbitol yield increases to 98%, but the process requires more complex conditions including pressure and temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (elevated but controlled), pressure (hydrogen pressure maintained during reaction), solvent type (non-aqueous solvents), and catalyst composition (transition metal complexes with specific ligands). These controlled parameter changes achieve high manufacturing precision (98% yield) while the parameters remain within manageable ranges for industrial operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses transition metal complexes with organic ligands as intermediaries to facilitate the hydrogenation reaction. These catalysts mediate between the reactants (gluconolactone and hydrogen) and the product (sorbitol), enabling high efficiency while the catalysts themselves can be selected and optimized for ease of handling and operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydrogenation methods are used, then the process is straightforward, but the versatility for different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transition metal complexes (Ru, Ir, Pd, Pt, Rh, Fe, Os, Ni, Co) with various organic ligands that can be selected and adapted for different specific applications and conditions. The same general catalytic system can be tuned for different substrates, solvents, and reaction conditions, providing universal applicability across multiple applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall process framework.
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 achieves sorbitol production in excellent yields, up to 98%, with the ability to be scaled and adapted for various applications, offering a more efficient and versatile method compared to traditional production methods.
Implementation Method 1
D-glucono-1,5-lactone can be used as a starting material in a transition metal-based catalyzed hydrogenation to form sorbitol in very high yields
Implementation Method 2
the hydrogenation of gluconolactone catalysed by Ru/C is disclosed in Catalysis letters 68 (2000), pages 41-44
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a new process for the production of D-sorbitol.