Purifying glycerol via solketal conversion for ultra-high purity glycerine
A novel process for purifying glycerol by converting it to solketal, achieving 99.5% purity. This scalable method is efficient, low-energy, and suitable for various industrial applications requiring high-purity glycerol.
Overview
The proposed solution offers a novel method for purifying glycerol by initially converting it into solketal. This process occurs at room temperature, requiring minimal energy, and achieves 99.5% purity through a simple distillation process. The conversion effectively removes impurities such as TFAs and minerals, making it a highly efficient and scalable solution for industries requiring ultra-pure glycerol.
Technical specifications
- Conversion process: The glycerol is reacted with acetone to form solketal, a reaction facilitated by acidification and carried out at room temperature.
- Purity and efficiency: The solketal is distilled to achieve a purity of 99.5%, significantly reducing impurities including TFAs and minerals.
- Dual benefits: Solketal can be reverted back to glycerol, providing flexibility and maintaining high purity levels.
- Industrial application: Ideal for sectors requiring high-purity glycerol, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 4, having been validated at laboratory scale. Future steps include scaling beyond laboratory conditions to ensure that high purity and yield are maintained during larger-scale production. The research team plans to explore the recyclability of any unreacted glycerol to enhance the process's sustainability.
About Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university based in Ames, known for combining fundamental discovery with translational, industry‑relevant work. Companies collaborate through a research and technology park that co‑locates corporate R&D with faculty labs and startups, creating steady talent pipelines. Pilot‑scale facilities, field test sites, and a statewide extension network support prototyping, validation, and deployment with partners across the region. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including awards from NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and affiliated research foundation streamline IP, licensing, and startup formation, with incubator space on site.
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