Glucose-Based Adipic Acid Synthesis for Lower Carbon Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of synthesizing adipic acid from petroleum-based cyclohexanone emits large amounts of greenhouse gases, necessitating a carbon-emission-reducing alternative using plant resources.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of adipic acid from glucose, utilizing a glucaric acid potassium salt, a solvent, an acid catalyst, and a deoxydehydration catalyst, followed by a deoxydehydration reaction and hydrolysis to produce alkyl adipate and then adipic acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If petroleum-based cyclohexanone is used to synthesize adipic acid, then current synthesis method is established and efficient, but large amounts of greenhouse gases are emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of raw material source from petroleum-based to plant-based (glucose). This parameter change transforms the entire synthesis pathway from petroleum chemistry to biochemistry, enabling carbon emission reduction while maintaining synthesis efficiency through optimized enzymatic reactions and process conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional chemical synthesis mechanism (petroleum-based chemical reactions) with a biological mechanism (enzymatic reactions). This substitution uses enzymes as catalysts to convert glucose into adipic acid through multiple enzymatic steps, eliminating the need for high-energy chemical processes that generate greenhouse gases.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If plant-based glucose is used to synthesize adipic acid, then carbon emissions are reduced, but synthesis processing efficiency needs to be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple enzymatic intermediaries to facilitate the conversion of glucose to adipic acid. These enzymes act as mediators that catalyze each step of the transformation, enabling efficient processing by breaking down the complex conversion into manageable, high-efficiency enzymatic reactions. The enzymatic intermediaries ensure rapid and selective transformation while maintaining low carbon emissions.
3Productivity
If conventional chemical synthesis is used, then established process is efficient, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes conventional chemical synthesis mechanisms with enzymatic biological mechanisms. This replacement uses mild physiological conditions (temperature, pressure, pH) instead of harsh chemical processes, eliminating toxic intermediaries and reducing environmental pollution while maintaining high process efficiency through optimized enzymatic catalysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the reaction conditions parameters from extreme chemical conditions (high temperature, high pressure, strong acids/bases) to mild biological conditions. This parameter change makes the process environmentally friendly by eliminating harmful chemicals while maintaining efficiency through enzymatic catalysis that operates optimally under gentle conditions.
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 reduces carbon emissions and enhances synthesis efficiency, providing an environmentally friendly and efficient route for adipic acid production.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining alkyl adipate by adding hydrogen gas to the reaction solution and performing a deoxydehydration (DODH) reaction
Implementation Method 2
obtaining alkyl adipate by adding hydrogen gas to the reaction solution and performing a deoxydehydration (DODH) reaction
Implementation Method 3
obtaining adipic acid by mixing the alkyl adipate with an acid solution and performing a hydrolysis reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing adipic acid using glucose as a starting material, in which adipic acid is finally obtained via an alkyl adipate intermediate from a glucaric acid potassium salt.