Catalytic system for the synthesis of cyclic ketals from glycerol and lower carbonyl compounds (High-octane fuel bioadditives)

Abstract

Cyclic ketals formed in the acid-catalyzed condensation of polyols from recyclable raw materials (glycerol, monosaccharides) and carbonyl compounds can be used as octane-raising and stabilizing additives to alcohol-containing motor fuels. Homogeneous and heterogeneous acid catalysts, including sulfocationite prepared from cross-linked polystyrene with magnetosensitive particles, were studied using the sol-ketal-forming condensation of glycerol and acetone as an example. Ketal formed in high (up to 90%) yields in proton-donating catalytic systems that bind water formed during condensation. A flow chart of ketalization was developed and used for creating a pilot unit.