WARF TECHNOLOGIES

UW-Madison researchers have developed a new approach for producing the preservative potassium sorbate directly from the biomass-derived chemical intermediate triacetic lactone (TAL) rather than via sorbic acid as an intermediate. This reaction proceeds from TAL via simultaneous ring-opening and hydrolysis. The ring-opening step is base-catalyzed rather than acid-catalyzed as in earlier technologies, which enables simultaneous neutralization of the salt. The researchers have been able to obtain yields of up to 72% thus far. The potassium sorbate can then be purified using THF extraction. Potassium sorbate made via this method has been verified to be effective against bacteria/yeast and can be used as a preservative in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

For More Information About the Inventors

• George Huber

Tech Fields

• Clean Technology : Biobased & renewable chemicals & fuels