Cyclohexane, Cyclohexanol, and Cyclohexanone Offer Potential in Manufacture of Synthetic & Bio-Based Adipic Acid

Synthetic & Bio-Based Adipic Acid


 Adipic acid is a white crystalline solid with the formula (CH2)4(COOH)2. This organic compound is used for the preparation of nylon, polyurethanes, and other products. Synthetic & bio-based adipic acid is used as a food acidity regulator and as a precursor for the production of nylon.

Chemical and Physical Properties  

Adipic acid is a dibasic acid with a molecular weight of 146.14 g/mol. It is insoluble in water, acetic acid, and ligroin; freely soluble in ethanol; and practically insoluble in petroleum benzin. Synthetic & bio-based adipic acid is odorless and has a sour taste.

Methods of Production

A mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol undergoes nitric acid oxidation in the industrial synthesis of adipic acid. However, the process of manufacturing synthetic & bio-based adipic acid may lead to generation of nitrous oxide, which is harmful for the environment as it increases greenhouse gases, damages the ozone layer, and causes acid rains.

Regulations

There are no existing federal, state, or local regulations that requires adipic acid plants to decrease N2O emissions under typical circumstances in the U.S. However, there are some regulations that significantly affect greenhouse gases emissions from the manufacture of adipic acid.

Uses

Synthetic & bio-based adipic acid is used in manufacturing resins, nylons, lubricants, and plasticizers. It is also used as general adhesives, anti-freezing agent, binding agents, and a buffer.  In the pharmaceutical sector, it is used in several controlled-release formulations as it helps to obtain pH-independent release for both weakly basic and weakly acidic drugs.

Green Adipic Acid Production

Several studies have highlighted that cyclohexane, a cycloalkane with the molecular formula C6H12, cyclohexanol, a molecule related to cyclohexane by replacement of one hydrogen atom by a hydroxyl group, and cyclohexanone, the molecule consisting of six-carbon cyclic molecule with a ketone functional group, offer potential in green adipic acid production. Moreover, biomass-based adipic acid also has potential in production of nylon.

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