Levulinic acid: the biofuel of the future

neyi24 (43)in #steemstem • 6 years ago

Levulinic acid, or 4-oxopentanoic acid, is a white and crystalline ketoacid prepared from levulose, inulin, starch, etc., by boiling with dilute hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. It is soluble in water, ethanol and diethyl ether, but insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is a molecule that acts as a chemical precursor and is considered one of the most renewable molecules in the world today. Being a chemical precursor, levulinic acid can obtain a large number of different products, including those used for the manufacture of plastics, phytosanitary products and fertilizers o additives for food and fuel.

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Applications

Levulinic acid is used in the production of nylon, synthetic gums, plastics and pharmaceuticals. It is a precursor in the industrial production of other chemical products such as 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, gamma-valerolactone or ethyl levulinate. In addition, it is one of the compounds of cigarettes, with the function of increasing the emission of nicotine in tobacco smoke and linking nicotine to neuronal receptors.

• Fuel additives. Levulinate esters are additives for diesel and gasoline. For example, you can replace the current cetane index enhancers and products to increase the cold flow properties of diesel. They can also replace products that improve lubrication. Methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), a derivative of levulinic acid, can be mixed with up to 50% gasoline to increase vehicle performance and reduce emissions of polluting gases.

• Solvents. The esters of levulinic acid, gamma-valerolactone (GVL) and MeTHF are suitable solvents for many applications. GVL can replace ethyl acetate and MeTHF can be used as a substitute for tetrahydrofuran (THF) in fine chemistry and in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Polymers and plasticizers. Esters of ketals derived from levulinic acid can replace most phthalate-based plasticizers. Methylbutanediol (MeBDO) has potential as a monomer for polyurethanes. GVL can be a monomer for polyesters and a precursor of the pyrrolidone isomers.

• Resins and coatings. Levulinic acid can be used in polyester resins and polyester polyols to increase the scratch resistance of coatings for exteriors and interiors. Diphenolic acid (DPA) in finishes for protection and decoration.

• Agrochemicals. Delta-aminolevulinic acid (DALA) is used as a herbicide for pastures and certain crops.

• Pharmaceutical products. Levulinic acid is used in anti-inflammatory medications, anti-allergenic agents, mineral supplements and transdermal patches. DALA is used in diagnosis and treatment of cancer .

• Personal care. Levulinic acid and its derivatives are used in organic and natural cosmetics for perfumes, skin conditioners and pH regulators.

• Flavors and fragrances. Esters of levulinic acid are often used as ingredients for flavor enhancers and fruity fragrances.

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Petroleum Substitute

Levulinic acid is created from biomass, such as grass or wood chips, and can be used in plastics, solvents, fuels, in the pharmaceutical industry and, mainly, as a substitute for oil in all its forms.

"It will help to reduce carbon oxide, this acid has a strong potential because it reacts exactly like oil, which means it can replace it"

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Uses of levulinic acid:

Creation of biodegradable plastic instead of conventional that often damages marine life.
Ecological solvents and biological-based detergents.
Clean fuels instead of contaminants.
Biofuels created from biomass waste and not from vegetable oils.

Levulinic acid is an important basis for building a world without polluting emissions, helping to replace chemicals created from fossils and reducing the carbon footprint of certain products.