Catalytic conversion of glycerin with NaOH under mild temperatures

Glycerol, a by-product from biodiesel industry with large amount, has become an important renewable resource for the production of value-added chemicals. In this paper, NaOH catalytic conversion of glycerin with high concentration to lactic acid and formic acid under mild temperatures was investigated. Glycerin was converted into lactic acid with the highest yield 65% and formic acid near 8% with glycerin 13.7 mmol and NaOH 25 mmol at 250°C for 30 min. This process may provide a promising utilization method of glycerin for producing high value chemicals.