BL1-2 Bio-Capa

The aim of Bio-Capa is to develop a sustainable, efficient and economically attractive production process for the industrial chemical caprolactone, which is required on a multi-10,000 tonne scale and, in contrast to current petrochemical sources, is based on the use of renewable raw materials.

Three interesting synthesis routes have been identified for the production of caprolactone from renewable raw materials. The synthesis routes differ primarily in terms of different starting raw materials and the combination of chemical and enzymatic synthesis steps. The three synthesis routes will initially be evaluated and prioritised. The process efficiency of all synthesis approaches will be examined, optimised and evaluated, taking into account the raw material costs. The prioritised process will then be specifically optimised and transferred to an enlarged laboratory scale. One research focus here will be the optimisation of the bio- and chemo-catalysts in order to achieve the required technical characteristics.

In order to achieve a favourable process economy, purification of the intermediate stages will be dispensed with and the reactions will be carried out as multi-stage one-pot syntheses. In addition, initial product samples will be produced, which will then be tested at BYK in application tests to determine their equivalence to the current petroleum-based product. At the end of this project, a sustainable, efficient and economically attractive bio-based product will be developed.