Natural 1,2-Alkanediols, Compositions Having Natural 1,2-Alkanediols and Processes for Making the Same

Abstract

A process is incorporated herein for the synthesis of bio-1,2-alkanediols, comprising: providing a bio-alkene having a carbon chain of about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms and a bio-1-alkene regioselectivity of at least about 80%, at least about 92% and/or at least about 95%; and converting the bio-alkene to a bio-1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain length of about 5 to about 20 carbon atoms. Methods for treating catalysts which may be incorporated in the process for the synthesis of bio-1,2-alkanediols are also included herein. Such bio-1,2-alkanediols are used in compositions and products alone as antimicrobial materials, or with existing bio-compounds and/or antimicrobials, preservatives, alternative preservation systems and/or hurdle technology components. The bio-1,2-alkanediols incorporate a natural and bio-based pathway for antimicrobial effects in various compositions such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, industrial and household products.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 87 . (canceled) 
     
     
         88 . A preservative composition comprising: about 60% to about 99% of a bio-1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain length of 7 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the carbon atoms of the bio-1,2-alkanediol are derived from a plant source and are not petrochemically derived, and wherein the bio-1,2-alkanediol is prepared from a bio-1,2-alkene having 7 to 20 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         89 . The preservative composition of  claim 88 , comprising about 75% to about 99% of the bio-1,2-alkanediol. 
     
     
         90 . The preservative composition of  claim 88 , comprising about 60% to about 99% of a bio-1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain length of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein the bio-1,2-alkanediol is prepared from a bio-1,2-alkene having 7 to 14 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         91 . The preservative composition of  claim 90 , wherein the bio-1,2-alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: bio-1,2-heptanediol, bio-1,2-octanediol, bio-1,2-nonanediol, bio-1,2-decanediol, bio-1,2-dodecanediol, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         92 . The preservative composition of  claim 91 , comprising about 75% to about 99% of the bio-1,2-alkanediol. 
     
     
         93 . The preservative composition of  claim 91 , wherein the bio-1,2-alkanediol is bio-1,2-heptanediol. 
     
     
         94 . The preservative composition of  claim 91 , wherein the bio-1,2-alkanediol is bio-1,2-octanediol. 
     
     
         95 . The preservative composition of  claim 91 , wherein the bio-1,2-alkanediol is a mixture of bio-1,2-heptanediol and bio-1,2-octanediol. 
     
     
         96 . The preservative composition of  claim 91 , further comprising an antimicrobial compound different from the bio-1,2-alkanediol. 
     
     
         97 . The preservative composition of  claim 91 , further comprising at least one other bio-compound different from the bio-1,2-alkanediol. 
     
     
         98 . The preservative composition of  claim 97 , further comprising a bio-compound selected from the group consisting of: a bio-organic acid, bio-hydroxamic acid, a bio-alkylhydroxamic acid, a bio-terpenoid compound having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, bio-1,3-propanediol, bio-1,2-butanediol, bio-1,2-pentanediol, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         99 . A personal care composition comprising the preservative composition of  claim 88 . 
     
     
         100 . The personal care composition of  claim 99 , wherein the preservative composition is present in a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10%. 
     
     
         101 . A personal care composition comprising the preservative composition of  claim 91 . 
     
     
         102 . The personal care composition of  claim 101 , wherein the preservative composition is present in a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10%. 
     
     
         103 . A personal care composition comprising the preservative composition of  claim 92 . 
     
     
         104 . The personal care composition of  claim 103 , wherein the preservative composition is present in a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10%. 
     
     
         105 . A personal care composition comprising the preservative composition of  claim 97 . 
     
     
         106 . The personal care composition of  claim 105 , wherein the preservative composition is present in a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10%. 
     
     
         107 . A personal care composition comprising the preservative composition of  claim 98 .