The present disclosure relates generally to water concentration reduction processes within an adipic acid process. The present invention also includes process for converting a glucose-containing feed derived from a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product wherein the process includes the steps of: converting glucose in the feed to a reaction product including a hydrodeoxygenation substrate and a first concentration of water; reducing the concentration of water in the reaction product to produce a feedstock including the hydrodeoxygenation substrate and second concentration of water, wherein the second concentration of water is less than the first concentration of water; and converting at least a portion of the hydrodeoxygenation substrate in the feedstock to an adipic acid product. Processes are also disclosed for producing hexamethylene diamine and caprolactam from the adipic acid product.