Catalytic Conversion of Sorbitol to Create Propylene Glycol

Traditionally, the major products of the corn refining industry were produced by fermentation and enzymatic (biocatalyst) conversion. This program will develop the use of inorganic catalysts for the conversion of sugars to new classes of chemicals such as polyols. The target products are propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and glycerol.

These three substances are higher value chemicals used in many applications such as anti-freeze, plastic compounds, personal and health care products and food products. The total domestic market for these compounds is approximately 8 billion pounds annually. The value associated with these commodity chemicals varies with market conditions and product quality.

The economic profitability of processing technology is a key driving factor in the development of biobased chemicals.Technical, economic and market information is continuously evaluated in all aspects of this research program.

By diversifying the end products for corn refining to industrial chemicals, value will be added to the corn producer through expanded markets, additional corn demand and ownership of intellectual property on key technology.