Research is proposed to develop a continuous, catalytic process for 2,3-pentanedione production from lactic acid. Phase II research, based on the results of Phase I research, will focus on the design, construction, and operation of a pilot-scale catalytic reactor system for continuous 2,3-pentanedione production. Catalyst activity and stability in extended operation, along with effects of feed impurities on the conversion will constitute the bulk of pilot plant studies. A separation/purification scheme for 2,3-pentanedione recovery will be developed concurrently, with the objective of preparing a product specification sheet. A detailed process economic and market analysis will be conducted. Promising new applications of 2,3-pentanedione identified in Phase I will be studied in detail from the standpoint of commercial production. Finally, the purified 2,3-pentanedione will be evaluated for its flavoring properties as a flavor for fat replacement in foods, and as a starting material for other high-value specialty chemicals with uses in the flavor and pharmaceutical industry. The increasing low-cost availability of lactic acid and the successful completion of this research will make 2,3-pentanedione manufacture possible at prices well below current costs and will open new markets for this diketone.Applications:The proposed studies will yield a scaled-up process ready for commercial-scale production of 2,3pentanedione from lactic acid. This new pathway will exploit the growing availability of low-cost crop-derived lactic acid ($0.20-0.30/lb), thus benefiting both U.S. agriculture and the U.S. chemical industry. Further, the new applications developed here will expand markets for 2,3-pentanedione. It is anticipated that this high-value specialty chemical, currently priced at $50-60/lb, can be made for as little as $3-4/lb from lactic acid in continuous, large-scale production.
