Donlar Corporation

Barney Vallino

Jacob Mazo

Robert J Ross

Grigory Ya Mazo

Daniel A Batzel

A method for the preparation of a desired molecular weight polysuccinimide by the catalytic polymerization of aspartic acid in the presence of a thioether solvent. Polysuccinimide of relatively high weight average molecular weight and high purity can be produced in relatively high yields while employing a relatively low catalyst loading and relatively low temperatures.

Production of polysuccinimide and polyaspartate in thioether solvents

The present invention is directed to a method for the production of D,L-aspartic acid. The method comprises reacting an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, such as, maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, or mixtures thereof, with excess aqueous ammonia at an elevated temperature and pressure for a time sufficient to produce diammonium D,L-aspartate. The produced diammonium D,L-aspartate is then neutralized to D,L-aspartic acid. Excess unreacted ammonia and various by-products may be recycled and re-used in the method, thereby minimizing waste and reducing cost. The produced D,L-aspartic acid may be subsequently used to make polyaspartic acid.

Production of D,L-aspartic acid

Polysuccinimide is produced by thermal polymerization of a precursor or a reactant admixture that includes an unsaturated compound in a plate-type reactor at temperatures sufficient to initiate polymerization and to form a brittle solid. The so-obtained polysuccinimide can be hydrolyzed to polyaspartic acidor to a polyaspartic acid salt, if desired. The precursor can be a monomer or a mixture of reactants that form polymerizable intermediates.

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Naperville, IL, United States of America

Barney Vallino