Patent ID: 9181158
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: C07C,C10G,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: providing cellulosic biomass solids; converting the cellulosic biomass solids into a reaction product comprising a glycol, wherein converting the cellulosic biomass solids into the reaction product takes place in a first reactor in the presence of a digestion solvent comprising about 10% glycol to about 90% glycol by weight and a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen to form a liquor phase comprising soluble carbohydrates; performing a first catalytic reduction reaction on the soluble carbohydrates to form the reaction product; at least partially drying the reaction product, thereby forming a dried reaction product comprising a dried glycol, wherein the dried glycol comprises about 35 wt. % or less water; at least partially converting the dried glycol into a monohydric alcohol in a second reactor via a second catalytic reduction reaction in the presence of a second catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; exposing the monohydric alcohol or a product formed therefrom to a condensation catalyst in a third reactor; and converting the monohydric alcohol into a higher molecular weight compound using the condensation catalyst.