Valorization of lactose into high value platform chemicals

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Context: Agropur is processing over 6 billion liters of milk per year. Therefore, the cooperative is left with**enormous quantities of permeate, which is composed of about 80 to 90% of lactose (dry basis). The lactose**generated does not bring much value to the cooperative, as it is sold as a commodity.**Research Objectives: The purpose of this research project is to assess the potential of transforming lactose into**hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA), two platform chemicals of high industrial value as they**can be used in the manufacture of commodity chemicals, textiles, catalysts, fuel cells, biofuels, polymers,**pharmaceuticals, solvents, resins and fungicides.**Based on the team knowledge, the production of HMF from lactose wastes has never been performed. Pure**lactose and pure galactose have been used for the synthesis of HMF. It has been seen that catalysts like**chromium salts that are effective for converting glucose or mannose to HMF are much less effective for the**conversion of galactose or lactose due to differences in the mechanism of HMF formation from these sugars.**However, the kinetics of the reaction has never been understood, and the impact of the presence of impurities**on the yield of HMF and LA has never been studied. Therefore, this project aims at the conversion of lactose**residues in HMF and LA. The objectives are to 1. determine the kinetics of reaction and 2. to study the impact**of the impurities on the yield of HMF and LA.**Benefits to Canada: According to the Government of Canada, the green chemicals growth rate was estimated to**attain 5.3% by 2015 representing about $62.3 US billion global market potential. The conversion of low value**biomass to platform chemicals has a positive impact on the environment, creation of employment, and**generation of revenue for Canada.