US 12,227,474 B2
Methods of producing and recovering levulinic acid
Stephen W. Fitzpatrick, Framingham, MA (US)
Assigned to Biofine Technology, LLC, Brookline, MA (US)
Filed by Biofine Technology LLC, Brookline, MA (US)
Filed on Mar. 19, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/609,781.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/466,191, filed on May 12, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0376036 A1, Nov. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. C07C 51/48 (2006.01)
CPC C07C 51/48 (2013.01) 25 Claims
 
1. A method of producing levulinic acid, comprising:
contacting a first solution comprising levulinic acid and an acid with an organic solvent;
extracting at least a portion of the levulinic acid from the first solution into the organic solvent forming a second solution comprising an ester of levulinic acid and the organic solvent;
contacting the second solution with water;
converting at least a portion of the ester of levulinic acid into levulinic acid; and
extracting at least a portion of the levulinic acid from the second solution into the water forming a third solution comprising the levulinic acid and the water,
wherein:
the first and third solutions are aqueous solutions; and the organic solvent comprises hexanol.