Context

Mucic acid, produced by the oxidation of galactose or galacturonic acid, is a biodegradable complex used in detergent, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product formulations. Two production methods exist: one is chemical, based on nitric acid, which produces polluting byproducts and offers limited yield, while the other is electrochemical, which, although less polluting, is slow, energy-intensive, and requires complex purification. The electrochemical variant involving bromine exacerbates these disadvantages, with significant industrial and environmental impacts..

Competitive advantages

• High Product Purity: This process yields mucic acid crystals with purity exceeding 99%, without requiring repeated purification steps, which is a challenge in classical processes.
• Environmental Respect: Unlike the use of nitric acid, which generates toxic fumes and harmful by-products, the ozone method does not employ polluting reagents, promoting better compliance with environmental standards.
• Absence of Solvents and Catalysts: This process does not involve organic solvents or catalysts, reducing costs and simplifying posttreatment operations.
• Energy Savings: Conducted at room temperature and under moderate pressure, this process is less energy-intensive than traditional electrochemical methods, which require specific electrodes and complex management.
• Green Chemistry: The use of bio-sourced raw materials, such as plant-derived pectins, aligns this process with sustainable chemistry, meeting the growing demand for ecological solutions. 

These characteristics make ozone synthesis an innovative and competitive method, suited to current requirements for sustainability and industrial efficiency.