Enhanced Monomer (Isosorbide) Synthesis from Biomass (cellulose) Source

Monomers and other chemical intermediates are typically obtained from non-renewable resources, specifically petroleum. Renewable resources, such as plant derived biomass, may become a significant source of these critical materials but new technology is required for their safe and efficient production. Compact Membrane Systems (CMS), in collaboration with the group of Professor Robin Rogers at the University of Alabama, will develop new technology for the acid catalyzed conversion of the plant-derived sugar sorbitol to isosorbide, a diol of interest as a chemical intermediate, pharmaceutical precursor and monomer. This technology will use a combination of environmentally-desirable solvents, a newly developed polymeric strong acid catalyst and a membrane reactor to drive conversion by removal of byproduct water from the reaction zone. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: This technology will lead to better yields, faster rates, less waste and lower energy requirements. Importantly, this work will demonstrate the combination of solvent and new acid catalyst as a new platform which will be useful for many acid-catalyzed processes used in the chemical industry.