Catalytic Production of Alanine from Waste Glycerol

Abstract

Chemical synthesis of amino acids directly from biomass feedstock is rare. Reported here is a one‐step protocol to convert crude glycerol, from the biodiesel industry, into 43 % alanine over a Ru1Ni7/MgO catalyst. The multifunctional catalytic system promotes glycerol conversion into lactic acid, and then into alanine. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed the existence of bimetallic RuNi species, whereas density‐functional theory calculations suggested Ni‐doped Ru substantially decreased the Ea of C−H bond dissociation of lactate alkoxide to form pyruvate, which is the rate‐determining step. The catalytic route established in this work creates new opportunities for glycerol utilization and enriches the substrate scope of renewable feedstock to access value‐added amino acids.

Visible-light-driven amino acids production from biomass-based feedstocks over ultrathin CdS nanosheets

“…Despite various efforts to convert lignocellulose components into various chemicals including a number of organic acids [18][19][20][21][22] , chemical transformation of biomass into amino acids is rare. Previously, we proposed a two-step protocol to firstly convert biomass components into α-hydroxyl acids via either biological 23,24 or chemical processes 19,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] , followed by thermocatalytic amination to convert the -OH groups into the -NH 2 groups 9,32,33 . Several limitations remain for the amination reaction: (1) it proceeds under relatively harsh reaction conditions (220°C); (2) it requires the use of hydrogen gas (10 bar), and (3) only noble metal catalysts are effective 32 .…”

Highly-efficient RuNi single-atom alloy catalysts toward chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes

“…15). This indicates the electron transfer from Ni atoms to Ru atoms which results in an enhanced electronegativity of Ru (Ru δ− ) 43 . The Bader charge analysis of RuNi SAA (111) surface reveals that isolated Ru atom carry negative charges from sub-surface Ni atoms (Supplementary Fig.…”

“…4a) was performed to further explore structural details of 0. 43 . The Bader charge analysis of RuNi SAA (111) surface reveals that isolated Ru atom carry negative charges from sub-surface Ni atoms (Supplementary Fig.…”

A review of the catalytic conversion of glycerol to lactic acid in the presence of aqueous base

“…Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, LA) is an extensively used chemical in a wide range of industrial applications including foods, 1 drugs, 2 cosmetics, 3 medication, 4 and the production of chemicals such as pyruvic acid, 5 acrylic acid, 6 propionic acid, 7,8 acetaldehyde, 9 alanine, 10 and glycerol carbonate. 11 It has also been used to remove hyperpigmentation 12 and to extend the shelf life of foods.…”