Rhenium Catalyzed Production of Bio-Based Acrylates From Glyceric Acid

Bio-based glyceric acid, an oxidation product of glycerol, was converted into acrylic acid and its esters, crucial polymer precursors, using a new catalytic approach in a sustainable manner. Avoiding gaseous H₂ or dangerous chemicals, the crucial step is Re-catalyzed deoxydehydration (DODH) in an alcoholic medium. In addition to being a solvent and hydrogen donor, alcohol also forms protective ester groups with acrylic and glyceric acids. This study examined several catalysts, alcohols, the presence of H₂, and temperatures. Acrylic acid and methyl acrylate were produced in 72 hours with a 65% combined yield using a Re/C catalyst and methanol at 150 °C under N₂. This versatile process can also be transferred to other alcohols enabling the production of various alkyl acrylates and monomers.