Title of Invention

"A METHOD OF MAKING AN ALKYLESTER"

Abstract A method of making an alkylester comprising the following steps: providing an oil source of the kind such as hereinbefore described, the oil source including free fatty acids and/or glycerides; providing a glycerol source; contacting the glycerol source and oil source to convert the free fatty acids and glycerides into a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides wherein the reaction is carried out to a residual acid value of below 5 (mgKOH/g) and at a temperature between 140°C to 245°C; providing methanol in an excess between 1.0 equivalents to 3 equivalents; reacting the mixture of glycerides with the methanol to convert glycerides into fatty acid alkyl esters; recovering the fatty acid alkyl esters.
Full Text METHOD OF MAKING ALKYL ESTERS USING GLYCERIN
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Alkylesters, or methylester specifically, such as biodiesel, are a clean-burning replacement for conventional petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel may be made from natural, renewable sources such as new or used vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel is fatty acid alkyl esters (typically being Cjs to CIB) and can generally be burned in combustion-ignition engines as a direct replacement for petroleum-based diesel. Aside from providing the benefit that biodiesel may be generated from renewable sources, biodiesel also provides the added benefit of decreased emissions from its combustion as compared to the combustion of petroleum-based diesel.
[0002] Alkylesters, in particular biodiesel, may be derived from the oils of the soybean or the rapeseed. The crude vegetable oil from these sources may be filtered, refined and subjected to several processing steps before the oil may be usable as biodiesel. Additionally, biodiesel may be derived from varying grades of vegetable oils. Such grades include virgin oil, yellow grease, used oils from food processing, or by-products from the edible oil refining process such as soap stock. Each of these sources has varying amounts of free fatty acids and/or glycerides - i.e., mono-, di-, or tri-glycerides — that may be processed into biodiesel.
[0003] Of these sources of vegetable oil, soap stock is generally considered the most cost effective source. Soap stock is derived from the crude oil extracted from the soybean or rapeseed. The crude oil of these seeds may be separated into two components: refined oil (which may then be further processed and converted into edible oil) and soap stock. The soap stock may then be acidulated with sulfuric acid to provide a composition having about 70% free fatty acids that may be further processed into biodiesel.

[0004] One contemplated method of processing the free fatty acids from these various grades of vegetable oils is the direct transesterification of the free fatty acids in the presence of alkali to produce the fatty acid alkyl esters for use as biodiesel. Such an approach, however, causes the free fatty acids to precipitate as soap, creating an additional recovery step in the contemplated method.
[0005] To avoid the precipitation problem, a two-step method for processing the free fatty acids has been proposed. This method can be found in EP 07 708 813 and WO 02/28811, and generally consists of the steps of (1) acid catalyzed esterification of free fatty acids with methanol in the presence of sulfuric acid, and (2) neutralization of the acid catalyst followed by conventional base catalyzed transesterification. These steps can be described by the following reaction scheme.





where each R may be the same or different and an aliphatic chain typicalty found in vegetable or animal oil sources, typically CB to C-a-
[0006] Even though transesterifications are both acid and base catatyzed, neutralization of the acid catalyst is necessary because acid catalyzed transesterifications typically exhibit slower kinetics than base catalyzed transesterifications, under comparable conditions. The disadvantages of two-step methods as disclosed in EP 07 708 813 and WO 02/28811 are the additional salt waste from neutralization, long cycle times, and a cumbersome recovery scheme of residual free fatty acids, as well as the need to separate methanol from water for recovery and/or waste disposal reasons.
BRIEFE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of processing free fatty acids from a vegetable or animal oil source into alkyl esters in which the salt and aqueous waste is reduced or eliminated.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of processing free fatty acids from a vegetable or animal oil source into alkylesters in which the necessity to separate alkylalcohol (e.g. methanol) from reaction water is reduced or eliminated.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of processing free fatty acids from a vegetable or animal oil source into alley! esters, particularly biodiesel, in which the recover}' scheme of residual free fatty acids is conveniently performed or the need for such recovery is eliminated.
[0010] These and other advantages are accomplished by subjecting the vegetable or animal oil source to a glycerin source first to convert the free fatty acid content of the oil source into glycerides and in a second step convert the newly created glycerides as well as the originally present glycerides into fatty acid alkyl esters for use as biodiesel. The two-step process of the present invention does not involve a neutralization step or the separation of methanol and water thus simplifying the process of the prior art. The method of the present invention is generally described below where the glycerides originally present in the oil source are represented by the triglyceride, however, it is understood that the glycerides originally present in the oil source may be mono-, di-, and/or triglycerides.
(Table-Removed) Where each R may be the same or different and an aliphatic chain typically found in vegetable or animal oil sources, typically Cg to Cn-
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Figure 1 shows a reaction setup that may be used foi performing the method of present invention.
[0012] Figure 2 shows the acid values as a function of time for three examples of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] As noted above, the method of the present invention of processing a vegetable or animal oil source can be represented by the following reaction scheme where the glycerides originally present in the oil source are represented by the triglyceride, however, it is understood that the glycerides originally present in the oil source may be mono-, di-, and/or triglyicerides.
(Table-Removed)
Where each R may be the same or different and may be an aliphatic chain typically found in vegetable or animal oil sources, typically CB to Ca- The reaction may be typically conducted in a small-scale batch system as shown in Figure 1 or more typically in a scaled-up version of the system shown in Figure 1 for commercial applications. The system 8 of Figure 1 includes a 1L resin reactor 10. The reactor 10 was equipped with a Teflon turbine agitator 12, thermocouple 14 with an associated temperature controller 16 and heating mantle 17, nitrogen sparge tube 18 with an associated nitrogen gas source 20, and a packed reflux column 22 (30 cm height and 2,5 cm diameter) attached to a Dean Stark trap 24 with condenser 26. A vacuum line 28 was attached to the top of the condenser 26 which was connected to the vacuum pump 30 via an in-line ice trap 32. The vacuum was controlled with a solenoid 34. A bubbler 36 may also be used. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the present invention can be carried out in a continuous mode using standard equipment typically used in chemical processes.
[0014] The first step of the reaction in which the free fatty acids are converted into glycerides may be performed at a temperature between about 140°C to about 245°C, more preferably between about 160°C to about 200°C, and most preferably at about 180°C. The first step may further be performed at a reduced pressure ranging from about 760 mroHg to about 1 mmHg, under a constant stream of nitrogen, or a combination of both reduced pressure and under a constant stream of nitrogen.
[0015] The present invention has been found to be particularly effective when using crude glycerin derived from the methanol sis of vegetable oils or other fats (or recovered from a fat splitting process). Crude glycerin as generated from the methanol sis process contains approximately SO - 85% glycerin, 13 - 18% methanol, about 1 - 2% water, small amounts of mono-, and triglycerides, as well as residual alkali. However, the method of the present invention is applicable to USP grade glycerin or purified glycerin as well. The glycerin source may be used in a concentration of at least 0.3 equivalents.
[0016] The use of crude glycerin provides an opportunity to utilize a process b}'-product without further purification, and enhances the rate of acid conversion in acidulated soap stock over Hie use of purified glycerin. This is unexpected since crude glycerin contains substantial amounts of alkaline catalyst. Therefore, a mixture containing acidulated soap stock and crude glycerin will be close to neutral in pH ca. 5.5, whereas a mixture of purified glycerin and soap stock exhibits a pH ca. 2.5 - 3.5. As reported in "Advanced Organic Chemistry" 4th Ed., p. 395, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y., 1992, esterification reactions are acid catalyzed; thus the rate enhancement at the higher pH is unexpected.
[0017] The reaction between purified glycerin (e.g., USP grade) and soap stock proceeds (without additional catalyst) to completion (as determined by an acid value of 0.5 or less) at 220-245°C in approximately 6 hours (see Example 9 below). At a temperature of 180°C, without added catalyst, using USP grade glycerin the esterification is complete after approximately 14 hours (see Example 1 below). A much shorter reaction time between about 9 hours and about 10 hours to completion is realized by using crude glycerin (see Examples 2 and 3 below and see Figure 2).
[0018] The resulting mixture of glycerides is then subjected to a base catalyzed methanolysis, forming methyl esters and glycerin as a by-product. The glycerin generated in this second step of the process can be recycled for use in the first step to form glycerides with the free fatty acids contained in acidulated soap stock or other oil source. In this latter case, no further purification of the recycled glycerin is necessary.
[0019] The reaction scheme, in particular the first step of the reaction scheme, maybe performed with a catalyst. Contemplated catalysts include but are not limited to organotin compounds (e.g., dibutyltin oxide), organo titanium compounds (e.g., tetrabutyl titanate), alkali acetates, earth alkali acetates, Lewis acids, alkali carbonates, earthallcali carbonates, and combinations thereof.
[0020] The advantages of the method of the present invention can be summarized as follows: 1) the use of the unaltered glycerin fraction obtained through alcoholysis of fats and oils; 2) rate enhancement obtained by using the unaltered glycerin fraction containing methanol, water and residual alkali from alcoholysis of fats and oils, rather than purified glycerin; 3) recycl ability of glycerin fraction of the method of the invention; 4) the lower processing temperature using the unaltered glycerin fraction from methanolysis of fats and oils; 5) reduced salt formation; and 6) eliminated setup for the separation of excess alcohol (e.g. methanol) and water.
[0021] To demonstrate the effectiveness of the above reaction scheme of the present invention, acidulated soap stock samples were subjected to the reaction scheme and the acid value of the reaction products was determined as a function of time. The decreasing acid value demonstrated that the reaction scheme provides a satisfactory method of converting the free fatty acids of the acidulated soap stock into glycerides. The first step of the reaction scheme is preferably carried out to a residual acid value of less than 5 mgKOH/g and more preferably to a residual acid value of between about 0.1 and about 1 mgKOH/g.

[0022] EXAMPLE 1.
[0023] 549 g of acidulated soap stock and 108 g of USP grade glycerin were charged into a 1L resin kettle 10 (Fig. 1). The reaction setup 8 of Fig. 1 was used. The resin kettle 10 was heated to the reaction temperature of 180°C over a period of 60 minutes at atmospheric pressure. After approximately 65 minutes from the time of heat input, vacuum was applied in stages, as reported in Table 1, to assist in the removal of reaction water. A stream of nitrogen was applied in addition to vacuum after 340 minutes of reaction time (as measured from the start of heat input). Samples were taken intermittently to monitor the reaction progress. The reaction was complete (AV = [0024] Table 1 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values of Example 1 demonstrating the progress of the conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock sample into glycerides.
(Table-Removed)
[0025] EXAMPLE 2.
[0026] 583.9 g of acidulated soap stock and 135.97 g crude glycerin (containing 86% glycerin, and the balance as water, methanol and residual base catalyst), derived from the methanolysis of soybean oil, was charged into a 1 L resin kettle 10 (Fig. 1). The reaction setup 8 of Fig. 1 was used. The pH of the combined materials, as a 10% suspension in a 50/50 mixture by volume of isopropanol and water, was measured to 5.34. The mixture was heated to reaction temperature of 180°C and vacuum was applied in conjunction with ,a nitrogen sparge to facilitate the removal of reaction water, as reported in Table 2. The total amount of distillate, including methanol and reaction water, as well as approximately 3.5 ml low molecular weight fatty acids, was measured to 58.58 g. The recovered weight of glycerides was 654.68 g (90.9% based on total mass input). In general, this example shows that by using the crude glycerin, the duration of vacuum application in combination with nitrogen sparging may be considerably shorter, and that the overall reaction time' to reach a comparable acid value was significantly reduced (880 min vs. 615 min), as compared with Example 1.
[0027] Table 2 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values of Example 2 demonstrating the progress of the conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock sample into glycerides.
(Table-Removed)
[002S] EXAMPLE 3.
[0029] Example 3 demonstrates that by utilizing the combination of vacuum and nitrogen sparge earlier in the process, cycle time can be reduced further, without negatively affecting the final product, e.g., by removing raw material from the reactor resulting in decreased yields. 528.5 g of acidulated soap stock were combined with 124.4 g of crude glycerin and processed as under example 1-2. The pH of the reaction mixture immediately after combing the raw materials was measured to 5.04. The total weight of distillate was measured to 54.77 g and the isolated yield of glycerides was 589.68 g (90.3% based on total mass input).
[0030] Table 3 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values of Example 3 demonstrating the progress of the conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock sample into glycerides.
(Table-Removed)
[0031] Figure 2 compares the rate of conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and demonstrates that the conditions of Example 3 provide the most accelerated conversion.
[0032] EXAMPLE 4.
[0033] Example 4 demonstrates the effect of a reduced glycerin charge. The amount of 520.2 g of acidulated soap stock and 91.8 g of crude glycerin (15 wt% effective glycerin) were charged into a 1L resin kettle 10 (Fig. 1) and treated as in the previous examples. To maintain a similar pH as in Examples 1 and 2, an adjustment was made using 7.35 g 25% solution of sodium methoxide in methanol. The total amount of distillate recovered was 53.5g and the glyceride yield was 548.71 g.
[0034] Table 4 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values of Example 4 demonstrating the progress of the conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock sample into glycerides.
(Table-Removed)
[0035] EXAMPLE 5.
[0036] Example 5 is analogous to Example 4, but without the pH adjustment. The pH of the combined glycerin and soap stock was 5.03. The nitrogen sparge for the last hour was increased from 30 mL/hr to 60mL/hr. The final amount of distillate collected was 55.25g and 552.73 g of glycerides were recovered.
[0037] Table 5 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values of Example 5 demonstrating the progress of the conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock sample into glycerides.
(Table-Removed)
[0038] EXAMPLE 6.
[0039] Example 6 is a comparative reaction which highlights the fact that the glycerolysis can be carried out with a variety of raw material streams such as yellow grease and acidulated glycerin (recycled glycerin from soy oil methanolysis but without alkali or methanol), and can be subjected to a conventional es'terification catalysis. 498.1 g yellow grease and 50.0 g acidulated glycerin were charged together with 1.0 g of Dibutyltinoxide into a 1L resin kettle 10 (Fig. 1) and heated to a reaction temperature of 200°C. When the reaction temperature reached 200°C, a vacuum of 250 mmHg was applied. After approximately 6 hours, the acid value was measured to be 0.5 AV, and about 5.5 mL liquid had been collected in the Dean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture was cooled to an appropriate temperature to safety add 116 g of methanol and 7.5 g of a 25% solution of sodium methoxide in methanol. The reactor was then heated to 77°C for 2 hours while agitating. Heating was discontinued and the mixture was allowed to settle. A total of 147.43 g of glycerin containing phase was removed from the bottom of the mixture. The remaining material was stripped at 60°C to remove excess methanol. The remaining crude ester phase was then washed with 110 mL of water, stirred for 5 minutes and let settle for about 30 minutes, before draining the aqueous layer from the bottom. This procedure was repeated twice more with the same amount of water. The combined aqueous phases were collected and weighed (408.2 g). The washed ester was then stripped at about 60°C under vacuum until dry (final water content 430 ppm). The yield of biodiesel esters was 366.3g.
[0040] EXAMPLE 7.
[0041] 684 g of acidulated soap stock and 163 g of crude glycerin were charged together with 3.5 g of potassium acetate (pH of mixture was 5.48) into a 1L resin kettle 10 (Fig. 1). The reaction mixture was heated to temperature and vacuum and nitrogen was applied as in the previous examples, as reported in Table 6. The final acid value was 0.21, with 72.56 g distillate collected, and a. glyceride yield of approximately 758.76 g (accounting for sampling during the reaction).
[0042] After cooling the reaction, 120 g of methanol and 5.7 g of sodium methoxide solution (25% in methanol) was added, and the reactor was heated to 65 - 68°C for 1.25 hours, after which the reaction mixture was allowed to settle for 1.25 hours. The glycerin fraction was then removed from the bottom of the reactor (198.33 g), followed by the removal of excess methanol in vacuo (17.66 g). The reactor was then charged with 22 g distilled water and agitated for 10 minutes. After a settling time of 3 hours, 52.57 g aqueous phase was removed (overnight an additional 10.5y g of ester was recovered from the initial aqueous phase). 254.95 g of the ester, prepared in this manner, was distilled under vacuum (10-20 mmHg) to give 224.61 g of nearly colorless methyl ester product.
[0043] Table 6 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values of Example 7 demonstrating the progress of the conversion of the free fatty acids of the soap stock sample into glycerides.
(Table-Removed)
[0044] EXAMPLE 8.
[0045] 541.29 g of acidulated soap stock and 108.5 g USP glycerin were charged together into a IL resin kettle 10 (Fig. 1) and heated to reaction temperature of 180°C. When the reaction temperature reached 180°C, a gradual vacuum was applied. Tetrabutyltitanate (Tyzor® TBT) was injected blow the liquid level in the reactor twice through a syringe, once at 270 min and again at 405 xnin elapsed reaction time. After approximately 12 hours, the acid value was measured to be 0.94 AV, and about 24.15 g distillate had been collected in the Dean-Stark trap.
[0046] Table 7 sets forth the reaction parameters and measured acid values for Example 8.
(Table-Removed)
[0047] EXAMPLE 9.
[0048] 250.7 g yellow grease (AV 29.5 mgKOH/g) was charged together with 14.7 g of acidulated glycerin and heated to a reaction temperature of 230°C. After 45 minutes into the reaction, a vacuum was applied at 23 inches to facilitate removal of water. After 8 hours reaction time the acid value was 0.37.
[0049] EXAMPLE 10.
[0050] 515.0 g acidulated soap stock (acid value 126 mgKOH/g) were charged together with 133.1 g of acidulated glycerin and heated to 230°C. After 45 minutes at 230°C vacuum was applied at 20 inches to assist in the removal of reaction water. After a total reaction time of 7.5 hours, the acid value was 0.34.
[0051] Table S summarizes the reaction parameters and AV results for Examples 1 through 10.
(Table-Removed)
[0053] EXAMPLE 11.
[0054] Example 11 demonstrates the effectiveness of the method of the present invention on a large scale. To 1,670 Ibs of acidulated soap stock, 304 Ibs of glycerol were added. The mixture was agitated and heated to 180°C reaction temperature, while removing residual methanol from the recycled glycerin as well as reaction water from the formation of glycerides. The removal of reaction Avater was facilitated by the use of vacuum (40 mmHg max.) and nitrogen sparging. After approximately 3 6 hours (including approximately 2 hours heat up time), an acid value of 1.0 was reached. The reaction was cooled to [0055] EXAMPLE 12.
[0056] Example 12 demonstrates the effectiveness of the method of the present invention on a large scale. To 1,521 Ibs of acidulated soap stock, 380 Ibs of glycerol were added, consisting of 304 Ibs crude glycerol from the methanolysis of soybean oil and 76 Tbs of the recycled glycerin fraction of the previous large scale run of Example 10. The mixture was agitated and heated to 180°C reaction temperature, while removing residual methanol from the recycled glycerin as well as reaction water from the formation of glycosides. The removal of reaction water was facilitated by the use of vacuum (40 mmHg max.) and nitrogen sparging. After approximately 12 hours (including approximately 2 hours heat up time), an acid value of 0.5 was reached. The reaction was cooled to [0057] "While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.



WE CLAIM:
1. A method of making an alkylester comprising the following steps:
providing an oil source of the kind such as hereinbefore described, the oil source
including free fatty acids and/or glycerides;
providing a glycerol source;
contacting the glycerol source and oil source to convert the free fatty acids and glycerides
into a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides wherein the reaction is carried out to a
residual acid value of below 5 (mgKOH/g) and at a temperature between 140°C to
245°C;
providing methanol in an excess between 1.0 equivalents to 3 equivalents;
reacting the mixture of glycerides with the methanol to convert glycerides into fatty acid
alkyl esters;
recovering the fatty acid alkyl esters.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the glycerol source and oil source is performed in the presence of a catalyst.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of organotin compounds, organo titanium compounds, alkali acetates, earthalkali acetates, lewis acids, alkali carbonates, earthalkali carbonates, and combinations thereof
4. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the catalyst is dibutyltin oxide.
5. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the catalyst is tetrabutyl titanate.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the glycerol source is USP grade glycerol or purified glycerol.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the glycerol source is crude glycerol recovered from a fat splitting or methanolysis of vegetable oil.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 optionally comprising the step of
recovering the glycerol produced from the reaction of glycerides with the methanol;
and wherein the glycerol source includes the recycled glycerol without further
purification.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the glycerol source and oil source is optionally performed at a reduced pressure ranging from 760 mmHg to 1mmHg.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the glycerol source and oil source is optionally performed at a reduced pressure and under a constant stream of nitrogen.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the glycerol source and oil source is optionally performed under a constant stream of nitrogen.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method is performed in a batch process.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method is performed in a continuous process.

Documents:

681-del-2006-assignment.pdf

681-del-2006-gpa.pdf

681-delnp-2006-Abstract-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006-abstract.pdf

681-DELNP-2006-Assignment-(03-06-2010).pdf

681-delnp-2006-Claims-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006-claims.pdf

681-delnp-2006-Correspodence Others-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(03-06-2010).pdf

681-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(31-08-2010).pdf

681-delnp-2006-correspondence-others-1.pdf

681-delnp-2006-correspondence-others.pdf

681-delnp-2006-description (complete).pdf

681-delnp-2006-Drawings-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006-drawings.pdf

681-delnp-2006-Form-1-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006-form-1.pdf

681-delnp-2006-form-18.pdf

681-delnp-2006-Form-2-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006-form-2.pdf

681-delnp-2006-Form-3-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006-form-3.pdf

681-delnp-2006-form-5.pdf

681-delnp-2006-GPA-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-DELNP-2006-GPA-(31-08-2010).pdf

681-delnp-2006-pct-210.pdf

681-delnp-2006-pct-304.pdf

681-delnp-2006-Petition 137-(22-07-2011).pdf

681-delnp-2006Correspondence-Others-(27-12-2010).pdf

681-delnp-2006Form-1-(27-12-2010).pdf

681-delnp-2006Form-2-(27-12-2010).pdf

abstract.jpg


Patent Number 260004
Indian Patent Application Number 681/DELNP/2006
PG Journal Number 14/2014
Publication Date 04-Apr-2014
Grant Date 31-Mar-2014
Date of Filing 10-Feb-2006
Name of Patentee SENECA LANDLORD, LLC
Applicant Address 416 S. BELL AVENUE, AMES, IOWA 50010, USA.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 FRANZ J. LUXEM 1234 EAST PRATT DRIVE, PALATINE, IL 60074, USA
2 JENIFER HEYDINGER GALANTE 16 HOPPER STREET, OAKLAND, NJ 07436, USA
3 WILLIAM M. TROY 6604 CHICK EVANS LANE, WOODRIDGE, IL 60517, USA
4 RANDALL R. BERNHARDT 39771 NORTH WITTENBURG DRIVE, ANTIOCH, IL 60002, USA
PCT International Classification Number C07C 67/03
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2004/021592
PCT International Filing date 2004-07-07
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/639,048 2003-08-12 U.S.A.