Process optimisation of 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol for downstream speciality chemical production.

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In response to climate change targets and mandates for increasing the use of biodiesel in transportation fuel, there has been a significant rise in production of glycerol, which is the main by-product of biodiesel manufacture. Due to this, there is an increased interest in the production of value-added chemicals from glycerol. This project will demonstrate, at mini pilot scale, how glycerol can be transformed into a higher-value chemical feedstocks, namely 2,3-Epoxy-1-propanol (EP), through novel greener processes than are currently employed industrially. Our new greener process offers a breakthrough technology compared with current industrial routes, removing the necessity for harsh and toxic chemicals and synthesising the product from a renewable feedstock. EP can be exploited in various ways including, as a precursor for polymer production, as a stabiliser for natural oils, a gelation agent in solid propellants, in surface coatings, pharmaceuticals , CO2 capture solvents, new polymers and as feedstocks for other chemical intermediates. More importantly they are of significant value. By providing a high-value exploitation path for glycerol this project will underpin the economic sustainability of biodiesel in the UK from its biodiesel activities using a variety of vegetable oils and fats.