D-Glucaro-6,3-Lactone Crystallization Yield and Purity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for selectively producing D-glucaro-6,3-lactone are inefficient due to low yield, purity issues, and the formation of undesirable mono- and di-lactones, with high overall process temperatures making them complex and uneconomical.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a mineral acid to salt of glucaric acid ratio of ≥ 1.2 to ≤ 3.5, an acetone to water ratio of ≥ 80:20 to ≤ 98:2, and moisture content of ≥ 20.0 wt.% to ≤ 40.0 wt.% in the filtrate, optimized to maximize D-glucaro-6,3-lactone yield while minimizing other lactones and acid formation, through steps including acidification, filtration, washing, concentration, and precipitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing techniques are used to produce D-glucaro-6,3-lactone, then the production process can be implemented, but the yield is low and purity is poor due to formation of multiple mono- and di-lactones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurity of D-glucaro-6,3-lactoneVSAvoidyield of D-glucaro-6,3-lactone
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the water content in the filtrate to a specific range (20-40 wt.%) and controlling the acidification conditions. This selective parameter adjustment promotes preferential crystallization of D-glucaro-6,3-lactone while suppressing formation of other lactones, thereby simultaneously improving both purity and yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by performing filtration and concentration steps before the final crystallization. The filtrate is concentrated to achieve specific water content range, and preliminary filtration removes impurities, setting the stage for selective crystallization of the desired lactone with high purity and yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If existing techniques are used to produce D-glucaro-6,3-lactone, then the production can proceed, but the process takes excessive time through multiple process steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidtime for process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by integrating multiple operations into a streamlined sequence. The acidification, filtration, concentration, and crystallization steps are performed in continuous succession without unnecessary interruptions, maintaining productive action throughout the process and reducing total processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges several process functions into integrated steps. For example, the filtration step simultaneously removes impurities and concentrates the solution, and the concentration step prepares the filtrate for immediate crystallization. This merging of operations reduces the number of discrete steps and accelerates production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing techniques are used to produce D-glucaro-6,3-lactone, then the synthesis can be performed, but high overall process temperature makes the process complex and uneconomical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeconomic feasibilityVSAvoidoverall process temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by conducting the crystallization process at lower temperatures compared to conventional methods. The specific water content control (20-40 wt.%) enables crystallization to proceed efficiently at reduced temperatures, simplifying equipment requirements and reducing energy consumption, thereby improving economic feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 high purity and yield of D-glucaro-6,3-lactone with reduced formation of by-products, rendering the process economical and scalable for industrial use.

Implementation Method 1

adding a mineral acid to a pre-cooled solution comprising a salt of D-glucaric acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid-base reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a pre-cooled solution comprising a salt of D-glucaric acid, water and acetone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

concentrating the filtrate under vacuum pressure in the range of ≥ 10 mbar to ≤ 300 mbar and at a temperature in the range of ≥ 20°C to ≤ 40°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

storing the concentrated filtrate at a temperature in the range of ≥ 0°C to ≤ 5°C, obtaining a precipitate comprising D-glucaro-6,3-lactone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP3580206B1Process for preparing d-glucaro-6,3-lactone
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 BASF SE

AI summary

The presently claimed invention is directed to a process for preparing D-glucaro-6,3-lactone from a salt of D-glucaric acid.