1233zd(E) Production via Catalytic Liquid Phase Reaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) result in low yields of the E-isomer, with existing processes producing significant amounts of the Z-isomer at higher temperatures, necessitating a more efficient method for selective production of 1233zd(E).

Innovation Solution

A catalytic liquid phase reaction between hydrogen fluoride and 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane, using a fluorinated metal chloride catalyst, is maintained at 85 °C to 120 °C, with a stripping column to reflux unreacted reactants and separate isomers, achieving a high yield of 1233zd(E) by optimizing temperature and recycling unreacted materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the liquid phase reaction temperature is increased to improve reaction rate and yield, then the production efficiency is improved, but the selectivity toward E-isomer decreases and Z-isomer formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidisomer selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the reaction temperature to a specific range (85-120°C) that simultaneously achieves high reaction rate and high E-isomer selectivity. This temperature optimization resolves the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision by finding the optimal operating window where both requirements are satisfied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of reaction conditions, including temperature profiling and residence time adjustment, to maximize E-isomer production. The process dynamically balances conversion rate and selectivity by controlling the reaction parameters within optimal ranges throughout the reaction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional liquid phase reaction is used to improve yield over gas phase, then the production yield is improved, but the E-isomer selectivity is insufficient without additional separation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction yieldVSAvoidE-isomer purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stripping column as an intermediary separation device between the reactor and product collection. This stripping column selectively removes the Z-isomer and unreacted reactants, serving as a mediator that enhances E-isomer purity without requiring complex downstream separation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the overall process into distinct functional units: reaction zone, stripping zone, and product collection zone. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally - the reactor produces the mixture, the stripping column separates components, and the product collection system gathers purified E-isomer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If temperature is maintained at lower range to improve E-isomer selectivity, then the isomer ratio is improved, but the reaction rate and overall yield decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveE-isomer selectivityVSAvoidreaction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional higher temperatures to an optimized range of 85-120°C. This parameter change simultaneously maintains acceptable reaction rates while significantly improving E-isomer selectivity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by optimizing the temperature range to maintain both reasonable reaction rate and high selectivity throughout the reaction. The process avoids temperature fluctuations that would compromise either rate or selectivity, maintaining steady-state operation in the optimal window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process achieves a high weight ratio of 1233zd(E) to 1233zd(Z) isomers, improving overall process efficiency and yield of 1233zd(E), while minimizing the formation of undesirable by-products.

Implementation Method 1

reacting said hydrogen fluoride and 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (or the hydrohalocarbon mixture) in the presence of said catalyst in a liquid phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

passing the liquid phase product through a stripping column as it leaves the reactor to reflux unreacted reactants back to the reactor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentEP2536675B1Integrated process and methods of producing (e)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2536675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2536675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2536675B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods, process, and integrated systems for economically producing (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene via vapor phase and/or liquid processes.