Clarkson et al. [16] developed a technology for the synthesis of
solketal in a semi-batch reactor where acetone was fed continuously
but glycerol was fed batch-wisely. The high viscosity of glycerol
at low temperatures was found to be the main obstacle in
making the process continuous. In another attempt, Monbaliu
et al. [17] used a glass reactor for the continuous synthesis of solketal
in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst (i.e., sulfuric acid).
However, the process is not economical and environmentally
friendly due to the aforementioned corrosion and waste disposal
problems associated with the use of sulfuric acid. Inspired by the
stated landmark papers [16,17],