| abstract |
One aspect of the disclosure is a method comprising first reacting a molecule from at least one of a carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid ester, or anhydride with ammonia to form a nitrile, wherein the first reaction is catalyzed with an acid catalyst. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the molecule may include at least one of acetic acid, lactic acid, and/or 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HPA). In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the molecule may include at least one of methyl acetate, ethyl lactate, and/or ethyl 3-hydroxypropionate (ethyl 3-HP). In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the anhydride may be acetic anhydride. |