Patent ID: 7153996
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: C07C,C10L

Abstract:
1. A process for preparing a mixture comprising levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from biomass, the process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the biomass with water in the presence of a first acid catalyst to form a first reaction mixture comprising levulinic acid, formic acid and furfural, the first reaction mixture having a liquid phase and, optionally, a solid phase; (b) optionally, separating the liquid phase from the solid phase of the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture; (c) removing the furfural from the first reaction mixture or the second reaction mixture to form a third reaction mixture; (d) contacting the first reaction mixture, the second reaction mixture, or the third reaction mixture with at least one olefin, optionally, in the presence of a second acid catalyst, to produce a fourth reaction mixture, the fourth reaction mixture having an organic phase and an aqueous phase; (e) separating the organic phase containing levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from the aqueous phase of the fourth reaction mixture; and (f) optionally, isolating the mixture comprising levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from the organic phase of step (e).