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Sustainable Sorbitol Dehydration to Isosorbide using Solid Acid Catalysts: Transition from Batch Reactor to
Francesco Brandi1, Majd Al-Naji1
1Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
Chemsuschem
|December 21, 2021
Summary
This review highlights advancements in producing isosorbide from sorbitol using solid acid catalysts in hydrothermal systems. It addresses challenges and scaling for sustainable industrial production of this versatile bio-based molecule.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion and Valorization
- Green Chemistry and Sustainable Processes
- Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Background:
- Isosorbide is a key bio-based platform chemical derived from cellulose, offering sustainable alternatives in various applications.
- Current production methods face challenges in efficiency, selectivity, and scalability for industrial implementation.
- Hydrothermal conversion using solid acid catalysts presents a promising route for isosorbide synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in isosorbide production from sorbitol via hydrothermal conversion.
- To analyze batch and continuous-flow systems employing solid acid catalysts.
- To identify current challenges and scaling-up strategies for industrial isosorbide synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent advancements in isosorbide synthesis.
- Analysis of batch and continuous-flow reactor configurations.
- Investigation of solid acid catalysts under hydrothermal conditions.
- Evaluation of process parameters and their impact on yield and selectivity.
Main Results:
- Solid acid catalysts demonstrate efficacy in converting sorbitol to isosorbide under hydrothermal conditions.
- Continuous-flow systems show potential for improved efficiency and control over batch processes.
- Key challenges include catalyst stability, separation, and integration into a continuous process.
- Successful scaling to pilot level is crucial for industrial viability.
Conclusions:
- Isosorbide production from cellulosic biomass is advancing, particularly using solid acid catalysts in hydrothermal systems.
- Continuous-flow processes offer advantages for efficient and scalable isosorbide synthesis.
- Addressing current hurdles in catalysis and process engineering is essential for establishing a sustainable industrial process.
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