Catalytic Transformation of Bio-Based Lactic Acid and Its Derivative to Value-Added Building Blocks

Dear Colleagues,

In light of global concerns surrounding climate change caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions related to fossil fuels, the conversion of biomass into fuels and high-value chemicals has received increasing attention. Biomass is abundant and contains unique building blocks, making it an attractive option to replace petroleum-based processes. Lactic acid can be obtained from biomass-based cellulose via fermentation. Lactate esters can be obtained from biomass-based cellulose either via fermentation or chemocatalysis. Lactic acid has been identified by the U.S. Department of Energy as a platform substrate for future biorefineries to manufacture acrylic acid, 2,3-pentanedione, acetaldehyde, 1,2-propanediol, pyruvic acid, lactate esters, poly(lactic acid), etc. Lactate esters have displayed significant potential as advantageous substrates used for the production of lactide, acrylic acid, acrylate esters, etc. Products prepared from lactic acid and its derivatives can act as value-added building blocks for many industrial and commodity chemicals. In particular, acrylic acid and acrylate esters are very versatile monomers with a wide range of industrial applications, such as detergents, absorbents polymers, coatings, adhesives, paints, etc. Despite challenges faced by research endeavors concerning the catalytic transformation of lactic acid and its derivatives to products of interest, crucial advances have been made in this area. This special issue is devoted to new developments in the catalytic transformation of lactic acid and its derivatives to value-added products, including, but not limited to, acrylic acid, 2,3-pentanedione, acetaldehyde, 1,2-propanediol, pyruvic acid, lactide and acrylate esters. We invite you to contribute original research articles to help us further our understanding of this topic.

Dr. Lin Huang
Dr. Yinghuai Zhu
Guest Editors

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• catalytic transformation
• lactic acid
• lactate
• acrylic acid
• acrylate
• derivatives