Process of Separation and Purification of Glycerol Derivatives

Abstract

The present patent application discloses a new and innovative method for purification of glycerol derivatives, by simulated moving bed chromatography. The method of the present patent application allows the separation of at least one glycerol derivative present in a feed solution. The glycerol derivatives purified by the method disclosed herein include dihydroxyacetone (DHA), hydroxypyruvic acid (HPA), glycolic acid (GCO), oxalic acid (OXA), mesoxalic acid (MEO), tartronic acid (TTA), glyceric acid (GCA), glyceraldehyde (GLA), glyoxalic acid (GOX) and unreacted glycerol. The presently disclosed method may be used with any simulated moving bed chromatographic apparatus, including but not limited to moving port and moving column systems.