Alcohol Production Research Articles

Active learning streamlines development of high performance catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis

Developing efficient catalysts for syngas-based higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) remains a formidable research challenge. The chain growth and CO insertion requirements demand multicomponent materials, whose complex reaction dynamics and extensive chemical space defy catalyst design norms. We present an alternative strategy by integrating active learning into experimental workflows, exemplified via the FeCoCuZr catalyst family. Our data-aided framework streamlines navigation of the extensive composition and reaction condition space in 86 experiments, offering >90% reduction in environmental footprint and costs over traditional programs. It identifies the Fe65Co19Cu5Zr11 catalyst with optimized reaction conditions to attain higher alcohol productivities of 1.1 gHA h−1 gcat−1 under stable operation for 150 h on stream, a 5-fold improvement over typically reported yields. Characterization reveals catalytic properties linked to superior activities despite moderate higher alcohol selectivities. To better reflect catalyst demands, we devise multi-objective optimization to maximize higher alcohol productivity while minimizing undesired CO2 and CH4 selectivities. An intrinsic trade-off between these metrics is uncovered, identifying Pareto-optimal catalysts not readily discernible by human experts. Finally, based on feature-importance analysis, we formulate data-informed guidelines to develop performance-specific FeCoCuZr systems. This approach goes beyond existing HAS catalyst design strategies, is adaptable to broader catalytic transformations, and fosters laboratory sustainability.

A Merger of Relay Catalysis with Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Enables Enantioselective β‐C(sp3)−H Arylation of Alcohols

AbstractThe conceptual merger of relay catalysis with dynamic kinetic resolution strategy is reported to enable regio‐ and enantioselective C(sp3)‐H bond arylation of aliphatic alcohols, forming enantioenriched β‐aryl alcohols typically with >90 : 10 enantiomeric ratios (up to 98 : 2 er) and 36–74 % yields. The starting materials bearing neighbouring stereogenic centres can be converted to either diastereomer of the β‐aryl alcohol products, with >85 : 15 diastereomeric ratios determined by the catalysts. The reactions occur under mild conditions, ensuring broad compatibility, and involve readily available aryl bromides, an inorganic base, and commercial Ru‐ and Pd‐complexes. Mechanistic experiments support the envisioned mechanism of the transformation occurring through a network of regio‐ and stereoselective processes operated by a coherent Ru/Pd‐dual catalytic system.

A Merger of Relay Catalysis with Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Enables Enantioselective β-C(sp3)-H Arylation of Alcohols.

The conceptual merger of relay catalysis with dynamic kinetic resolution strategy is reported to enable regio- and enantioselective C(sp3)-H bond arylation of aliphatic alcohols, forming enantioenriched β-aryl alcohols typically with >90 : 10 enantiomeric ratios (up to 98 : 2 er) and 36-74 % yields. The starting materials bearing neighbouring stereogenic centres can be converted to either diastereomer of the β-aryl alcohol products, with >85 : 15 diastereomeric ratios determined by the catalysts. The reactions occur under mild conditions, ensuring broad compatibility, and involve readily available aryl bromides, an inorganic base, and commercial Ru- and Pd-complexes. Mechanistic experiments support the envisioned mechanism of the transformation occurring through a network of regio- and stereoselective processes operated by a coherent Ru/Pd-dual catalytic system.

Life Cycle Analysis of the Production of Neutral Alcohol Obtained from Winemaking Byproducts for Use in Perfumery

As is the case in many other industries, major fragrance brands are now incorporating circular-economy in their product-development strategies. This is in response to growing consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products. In light of this objective, perfumery raw materials must be evaluated against environmental and societal criteria. This more critical context, coupled with the fact that alcohol can constitute up to 95% of a fragrance, means greater attention is being given the origin of this fragrance solvent. Industries are now becoming keenly interested in seeking out more environmentally friendly alternatives to alcohols derived from field crops (sugar beet, wheat, corn, sugarcane) so as to use a sustainable alcohol with excellent olfactory performance. To this end, this study entailed evaluating the environmental impact of an extra-neutral grape alcohol produced in France and obtained from winemaking residues. Its olfactory performance has been proven to meet the expectations and industrial needs of perfumers. The environmental impact was assessed by a life cycle analysis (LCA) carried out per the current NF EN ISO 14040 standard. The results show that extra-neutral grape alcohol is positively comparable to sugar beet alcohol, particularly as concerns greenhouse gas emissions. Upcycled grape alcohol is also produced through sustainable management of winemaking waste and does not conflict with land needs for food production. Lastly, unlike field crops, grapevines in the form of vineyards are a perennial crop and therefore serve as major carbon sinks, much the same way forests do.

The Alcohol Reform as Described in «Ekonomicheskii Zhurnal» during the Second Half of the 19th Century

This article provides an overview of the alcohol reform in the Russian Empire during the second half of the 19th century based on the key publications in «Ekonomicheskii Zhurnal» (‘Economic Journal’). Crop distillation on preferential terms is considered in detail. The statistics resulting from the changes in the drinking business over the studied period are analyzed. The assessment of the reform’s success and effectiveness in fiscal and budgetary matters by A.P. Subbotin is discussed. The contradictory basis of the wine monopoly is shown: while reducing the rates of «public drunkenness», it also retained the revenue from alcohol sales to the state budget. The alcohol policies pursued by Western European countries and the USA in the 19th century are outlined. The findings reveal that the alcohol reform in the Russian Empire was influenced by these foreign models. A.P. Subbotin’s position that the government sought to maximize the fiscal potential of alcohol production and trade is justified. The legislative framework of the state policy on the sale of alcoholic beverages is summarized. It is concluded that A.P. Subbotin was the first to highlight the necessity of taking into account the regional diversity of the Russian Empire when developing and implementing alcohol-related policies.

Alcohol marketing on social media: young people’s exposure, engagement and alcohol-related behaviors

Aim Alcohol promotions in conventional channels are associated with subsequent alcohol consumption in young people, but little is known about young people’s exposure to digital alcohol marketing. This exploratory study investigated young people’s exposure to, and engagement with, alcohol marketing on social media platforms, variations across sociodemographic groups and associations with alcohol-related behaviors. Method An online survey was conducted with 3698 participants aged between 14 and 20 years (M = 17.1; SD = 1.8) in New Zealand. The survey asked about social media use and exposure to and engagement with alcohol product marketing on their preferred platforms, alcohol consumption patterns, hazardous drinking (AUDIT-C scores) and purchasing alcohol online. Results Nearly three-quarters of the sample who responded to questions about exposure to alcohol marketing (70.6%; n = 1541) reported seeing marketing on at least one social media platform, with older respondents (18–20 years) more likely to report exposure than younger respondents (14–17 years); no differences were found across gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic groups. Over one-third of those who responded to questions about engagement (40.7%; n = 850) reported engaging with alcohol marketing and this varied by age, gender and ethnicity. Recall of exposure to alcohol marketing was less strongly associated with online purchase and having ever drunk alcohol than was engagement with alcohol marketing, which was also associated with hazardous drinking. Conclusions Engagement with alcohol marketing was more strongly related to alcohol behaviors, including online purchasing, having ever drunk alcohol, and drinking at hazardous levels, than exposure. These findings also demonstrated inequitable patterns of engagement with alcohol marketing on social media associated with these novel algorithmic marketing methods.

Palladium-Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Halides with Aqueous Ammonia and Hydroxide Base Enabled by Ligand Development.

The conversion of aryl halides to primary arylamines with a convenient and inexpensive source of ammonia has been a long-standing synthetic challenge. Aqueous ammonia would be the most convenient and least expensive form of ammonia, but such a palladium-catalyzed amination reaction with a high concentration of water faces challenges concerning catalyst stability and competing hydroxylation, and palladium-catalyzed reactions with this practical reagent are rare. Further, most reactions with ammonia to form primary amines are conducted with tert-butoxide base, but reactions with ammonium hydroxide would contain hydroxide as base. Thus, ammonia surrogates, ammonia in organic solvents, and ammonium salts have been used under anhydrous conditions instead with varying levels of selectivity for the primary amine. We report the palladium-catalyzed amination of aryl and heteroaryl chlorides and bromides with aqueous ammonia and a hydroxide base to form the primary arylamine with high selectivity. The palladium catalyst containing a new dialkyl biheteroaryl phosphine ligand (KPhos) suppresses both the formation of aryl alcohol and diarylamine side products. Mechanistic studies with a soluble hydroxide base revealed turnover-limiting reductive elimination of the arylamine and an equilibrium between arylpalladium amido and hydroxo complexes prior to the turnover-limiting step.

"Retail Sale" as a Mandatory Feature of the Objective Side of Illegal Retail Sale of Alcoholic and Alcohol-Containing Food Products: Issues of Interpretation and Application

The paper, based on a systematic analysis of Russian legislation, provides an interpretation of the act known as “retail sale” as a mandatory feature of the objective side of the crime provided for in Article 171.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The problems generated by the current wording of the disposition of the norm in question are identified. The specific characteristics of the sale are emphasized and its retail nature is described in accordance with the provisions of industry legislation. Based on existing points of view and personal vision, the author proposed an adjusted definition of the term “retail sale” in relation to Note 1 to Article 171.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. In order to bring to criminal liability persons who have committed the “wholesale sale” of alcoholic and alcohol-containing food products, it is proposed to expand the scope of the analyzed norm by amending the disposition of the article and the note to it, formulating the act as “sale”. It is indicated that it is necessary to recognize a transaction as fictitious in cases where the sale of alcoholic and alcohol-containing food products is disguised as a gift transaction.

Research on Moutai Cross-border Product Marketing Optimization Strategies: Taking Moutai Ice Cream as an Example

Purpose - On May 19, 2022, Moutai and Mengniu reached a strategic cooperation, announced the opening of the country’s first Moutai ice cream flagship store, and launched Moutai ice cream in various flavors including original, vanilla and other flavors, achieving growth against the trend. Moutai has entered the high-end ice cream market by engaging in strategic collaborations with Mengniu. However, in the marketing process, since Moutai ice cream is not a traditional alcoholic product, Moutai needs to explore new marketing methods. Design/Methodology/Approach - This article utilizes the 4P theory as a framework to elucidate the present status of Moutai ice cream products, encompassing pricing, distribution channels, and promotional strategies. Secondly, it highlights the issues and underlying reasons in the marketing of the Moutai ice cream brand. Finally, specific countermeasures and suggestions were proposed regarding brand value, brand culture, cross-border channels, and communication methods. Findings - Summarizes the existing problems such as product cross-border impact on brand value, the launch of new products that fails to continue the image of Moutai, the limitations of radiating target consumer groups, and the lack of interaction between Moutai ice cream and consumers, etc., and puts forward specific issues. Countermeasure suggestions. Research Implications - The research in this article has enhanced the cross-border marketing capabilities of Moutai ice cream, which is significant for improving the sales level and brand influence of Moutai ice cream. It also provides reference and guidance for other companies in the industry regarding their brand’s cross-border strategies.

Play cards, salt, tobacco: trade restrictions of German Zollverein in 1833

Importance. The main objective of the study is to find the special regulations regarding some trade goods. The research is focused on the comprehensive study of restrictions of German Zollverein’s treaty, which had affected the local and foreign trade. The analysis has formed the complex of reasons which led to the special arrangements towards the important goods. The study of particular aspects of customs reforms shows the new perspectives in the research of this topic and fulfills the image of trade connections on German territories in 1820–30s.Materials and Methods. The main document for the research is “The treaty of customs unification” from March 22, 1833. There are also plenty of commercial press articles of that period studied, which overviewed the trade and customs changes and reforms. The analytics and synthesis methods give the possibility to have a full overview of the mentioned sources and to restore the main tendencies in trade restrictions of this epoch.Results and Discussion. The detailed analysis highlights the most important trade goods on the German area, which were the subjects of interests for many German governments. There were the monopoly goods or the sources of big custom duties, which filled the German treasuries for decades. The threat of losing this income due to established German Zollverein, which customs taxes were supposed to be summarized and parted, led to the compromise solution in regards to some goods. The play cards, salt, tobacco and alcohol production were supposed to stay under cautious control, the trade of them was specially mentioned on the extra conditions.Conclusion. Trade restrictions seemed to be the compromise arrangement in the customs treaty, which aimed to keep the state income safe. They were also based on law differences regarding mentioned goods and supposed to protect German industry from foreign competition.

Conceptual Process Design, Techno-Economics, and Greenhouse Gas Analysis of Furfuryl Alcohol Production via Transfer Hydrogenation

Conceptual Process Design, Techno-Economics, and Greenhouse Gas Analysis of Furfuryl Alcohol Production via Transfer Hydrogenation

Modelling the impacts of volumetric and minimum unit pricing for alcohol on social harms in Australia

AimsAlcohol pricing policies may reduce alcohol-related harms, yet little work has been done to model their effectiveness beyond health outcomes especially in Australia. We aim to estimate the impacts of four taxation and minimum unit pricing (MUP) interventions on selected social harms across sex and age subgroups in Australia. MethodsWe used econometrics and epidemiologic simulations using demand elasticity and risk measures. We modelled four policies including (A) uniform excise rates (UER) (based on alcohol units) (B) MUP $1.30 on all alcoholic beverages (C) UER + 10 % (D) MUP$ 1.50. People who consumed alcohol were classified as (a) moderate (≤ 14 Australian standard drinks (SDs) per week) (b) Hazardous (15–42 SDs per week for men and 14–35 ASDs for women) and (c) Harmful (> 42 SDs per week for men and > 35 ASDs for women). Outcomes were sickness absence, sickness presenteeism, unemployment, antisocial behaviours, and police-reported crimes. We used relative risk functions from meta-analysis, cohort study, cross-sectional survey, or attributable fractions from routine criminal records. We applied the potential impact fraction to estimate the reduction in social harms by age group and sex after implementation of pricing policies. ResultsAll four modelled pricing policies resulted in a decrease in the overall mean baseline of current alcohol consumption, primarily due to fewer people drinking harmful amounts. These policies also reduced the total number of crimes and workplace harms compared to the current taxation system. These reductions were consistent across all age and sex subgroups. Specifically, sickness absence decreased by 0.2–0.4 %, alcohol-related sickness presenteeism by 7–9 %, unemployment by 0.5–0.7 %, alcohol-related antisocial behaviours by 7.3–11.1 %, and crimes by 4–6 %. Of all the policies, the implementation of a $1.50 MUP resulted in the largest reductions across most outcome measures. ConclusionOur results highlight that alcohol pricing policies can address the burden of social harms in Australia. However, pricing policies should just form part of a comprehensive alcohol policy approach along with other proven policy measures such as bans on aggressive marketing of alcoholic products and enforcing the restrictions on the availability of alcohol through outlet density regulation or reduced hours of sale to have a more impact on social harms.

Prevalence and Correlates of Substance Use and the Effects on the Young People in a Southwestern State of Nigeria

In 2015, psychoactive substance use led to the deaths of 72 young people within a month across Ondo, Edo, and Rivers states in Nigeria, with Ondo being the most affected. The youth attributed these deaths to the wrath of the gods (Malokun) rather than alcohol consumption. This study aims to identify demographic factors influencing youth substance use in Ondo State. Using a cross-sectional, descriptive community study design, 500 participants aged 10 to 24 years were recruited. Data collected through a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16. The findings revealed that alcohol was the most used substance, with a lifetime use prevalence of 69.6%, likely due to the availability and cultural acceptability of local alcoholic products like ogogoro and palm wine. Substance use was found to negatively impact social life. Significant correlates of substance use included gender, age, religion, and father’s relationship. Males had higher lifetime use than females (p = 0.008), and substance use prevalence was higher among late adolescents (p = 0.0034). Christian respondents reported higher lifetime use compared to Muslims (p = 0.010). These results highlight that alcohol is the predominant substance used by young people in Ondo State, with key correlates being male gender, religion, less friendly father relationships, and late adolescence, informing public health strategies to mitigate harmful effects of substance use.

Peculiarities of management of enterprises in the sphere of production and sale of alcoholic beverages in Ukraine under conditions of uncertainty

The subject of this study is a set of practical aspects of business management in the market of alcoholic beverages in Ukraine. The object of the study is the process of implementing entrepreneurial activity under conditions of uncertainty. The purpose is to summarise the algorithm of enterprise management in the sphere of alcohol business under conditions of uncertainty and to develop recommendations for improving its efficiency. By interviewing experts, using the methods of observation, synthesis and generalisation, the paper proposes to use certain management tools to improve the efficiency of activities under conditions of uncertainty. The alcohol market has always been, on the one hand, a certain indicator of socio-economic changes, and on the other hand, a testing ground for innovative management tools, as the high marginality of this product and relatively low entry barriers required dynamic changes from within. However, in times of crisis, uncertainty, and even more so in times of war, the requirements for the quality of management increase significantly. That is why it is advisable to analyse the theoretical aspects and practical features of the implementation of management innovations that have been applied at Ukrainian enterprises engaged in the production and sale of alcohol.

Zr-decorated hyper-cross-linked polymers for highly selective upgrading of furfural to furfuryl alcohol

In the present study, the ultra-large specific surface area Zr-decorated hyper-cross-linked polymers (HP) were firstly developed for the catalytic production of furfuryl alcohol (FOL) from furfural (FAL) using isopropanol as both the hydrogen source and solvent. Comprehensive characterizations were performed to uncover the basic physicochemical properties. The as-prepared Zr/HP showed large specific surface area of ∼1000 m2/g, good dispersion of Zr species, plentiful acidity and basicity. 2.5Zr/HP presented the highest activity in the FAL-to-FOL transformation, wherein 97.4 % FAL conversion and 92.9 % FOL yield were achieved within 2 h at 160 °C. The recycling experiments revealed that the as-fabricated Zr-decorated hyper-cross-linked polymers presented good recyclability without significant loss of reactivity even after two consecutive cycles, owing to the strong interaction between hyper-cross-linked polymers and grafted Zr species. Kinetical analysis verified that the activation energy for transfer hydrogenation of FAL could be lowered to a certain degree, especially in the case of lower Zr loadings. More gratifyingly, the Zr-decorated hyper-cross-linked polymers were capable of catalyzing other unsaturated compounds with high conversion rates. In addition, the plausible pathway for the FAL-to-FOL transformation over Zr-decorated hyper-cross-linked polymers was proposed.

Low-coordinated copper facilitates the *CH2CO affinity at enhanced rectifying interface of Cu/Cu2O for efficient CO2-to-multicarbon alcohols conversion

The carbon−carbon coupling at the Cu/Cu2O Schottky interface has been widely recognized as a promising approach for electrocatalytic CO2 conversion into value-added alcohols. However, the limited selectivity of C2+ alcohols persists due to the insufficient control over rectifying interface characteristics required for precise bonding of oxyhydrocarbons. Herein, we present an investigation into the manipulation of the coordination environment of Cu sites through an in-situ electrochemical reconstruction strategy, which indicates that the construction of low-coordinated Cu sites at the Cu/Cu2O interface facilitates the enhanced rectifying interfaces, and induces asymmetric electronic perturbation and faster electron exchange, thereby boosting C-C coupling and bonding oxyhydrocarbons towards the nucleophilic reaction process of *H2CCO-CO. Impressively, the low-coordinated Cu sites at the Cu/Cu2O interface exhibit superior faradic efficiency of 64.15 ± 1.92% and energy efficiency of ~39.32% for C2+ alcohols production, while maintaining stability for over 50 h (faradic efficiency >50%, total current density = 200 mA cm−2) in a flow-cell electrolyzer. Theoretical calculations, operando synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman experiments decipher that the low-coordinated Cu sites at the Cu/Cu2O interface can enhance the coverage of *CO and adsorption of *CH2CO and CH2CHO, facilitating the formation of C2+ alcohols.

Improving Production of Coniferyl Alcohol in Escherichia coli by Regulating the Multiple Cofactors and Efflux of Intermediates

Improving Production of Coniferyl Alcohol in <i>Escherichia coli</i> by Regulating the Multiple Cofactors and Efflux of Intermediates

Highly Enantiomerically Enriched Secondary Alcohols via Epoxide Hydrogenolysis.

In this article, we report the development of ruthenium-catalyzed hydrogenolysis of epoxides to selectively give the branched (Markovnikov) alcohol products. In contrast to previously reported catalysts, the use of Milstein's PNN-pincer-ruthenium complex at room temperature allows the conversion of enantiomerically enriched epoxides to secondary alcohols without racemization of the product. The catalyst is effective for a range of aryl epoxides, alkyl epoxides, and glycidyl ethers and is the first homogeneous system to selectively promote hydrogenolysis of glycidol to 1,2-propanediol, without loss of enantiomeric purity. A detailed mechanistic study was conducted, including experimental observations of catalyst speciation under catalytically relevant conditions, comprehensive kinetic characterization of the catalytic reaction, and computational analysis via density functional theory. Heterolytic hydrogen cleavage is mediated by the ruthenium center and exogenous alkoxide base. Epoxide ring opening occurs through an opposite-side attack of the ruthenium hydride on the less-hindered epoxide carbon, giving the branched alcohol product selectively.

Revealing the key microorganisms producing higher alcohols and their assembly processes during Jiang-flavor Baijiu fermentation

Excessive levels of higher alcohols have negative impacts on the quality of Baijiu. Understanding the key microorganisms responsible for producing higher alcohols and their assembly processes is crucial for controlling higher alcohols in multi-species Baijiu fermentation. This study investigated the changes in volatile compounds, including higher alcohols, and microbial communities in the four fermentation cycles of Jiang-flavor Baijiu. Higher alcohols were the most abundant in the first cycle. Through metatranscriptomic and culture-dependent analysis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and four non-Saccharomyces yeasts (Pichia kudriavzevii, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Torulaspora delbrueckii) were demonstrated to be the main contributors to higher alcohol (isobutanol, isoamylol, and 1-propanol) production, with S. cerevisiae producing the highest levels. A higher abundance of Saccharomyces resulted in the highest levels of higher alcohols in the first cycle. Moreover, our results revealed that yeast community was assembled from stochastic to deterministic processes with the increase of fermentation cycles, driven by lactic acid. These findings provide valuable insights into controlling higher alcohol production in Baijiu fermentation.

Role of electrochemical cell configuration on the selectivity of CuZnAl-oxide-based electrodes for the continuous CO2 conversion: aqueous electrolyte vs. catholyte-less configuration

This research is a significant step forward in understanding how the electrochemical cell setup influences CO2 conversion. The performance of Cu–Zn–Al metal oxide-based catalysts was compared in two reactor configurations: a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) cell with an aqueous electrolyte and a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) cell operating in the gas phase without catholyte. The different operations induced significant morphological and crystalline structural changes, profoundly impacting the catalytic behaviour. The MEA configuration, for instance, led to the formation of a higher Cu0/Cu1+ ratio in the catalysts, promoting C–C coupling for C2H4 production. Conversely, the GDE operation favoured alcohol (ethanol and methanol) production by balancing copper oxidation states formed in situ in the presence of the aqueous catholyte. Zn and Al oxides also played a role in stabilising the resulting Cu species, some of which remained oxidised on the electrode surface. These findings underscore the crucial influence of varying cell operation conditions on catalyst reconstruction, shaping the quantity of Cu0 + Cu1+ species formed in situ to tailor catalyst selectivity.