Acidic Resin Catalyst Composition for Stable Isosorbide Dehydration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid acid catalysts for isosorbide production suffer from limited lifespan, poor selectivity, and high production costs due to detachment of sulfonic acid groups at high temperatures, making them unsuitable for continuous industrial processes, which results in unstable product quality and low yields.

Innovation Solution

A copolymer-based acidic resin catalyst comprising structural units from styrene with an electron-withdrawing group, divinylbenzene, and allylsulfonic acid, combined with a solid acid catalyst, is used in a two-stage dehydration process to enhance catalytic stability and selectivity, allowing for continuous isosorbide production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If strong acidic resin catalysts are used for isosorbide production, then conversion and selectivity are improved, but catalyst life is limited due to sulfonic acid group detachment at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveselectivityVSAvoidcatalyst life

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the resin catalyst by introducing electron-withdrawing groups (such as -CF3, -Cl, -Br) at the meta position of the styrene unit. This parameter change in the molecular structure strengthens the bond between the sulfonic acid group and the resin backbone, preventing detachment at high temperatures while maintaining catalytic activity and extending catalyst life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite catalyst system combining modified styrene resin with divinylbenzene and allylsulfonic acid units. This composite structure integrates the benefits of enhanced thermal stability from the electron-withdrawing groups with the catalytic functionality of sulfonic acid groups, achieving both high selectivity and extended catalyst lifespan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If liquid acid catalysts are used for continuous isosorbide production, then productivity is improved, but process complexity increases due to neutralization and deacidification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidseparation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a solid acid resin catalyst that can be easily filtered and separated from the reaction mixture, replacing the need for complex neutralization and deacidification processes required by liquid acid catalysts. The solid catalyst acts as a disposable or regenerable component that simplifies the overall process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical neutralization process (requiring additional reagents and separation steps) with a simple physical filtration process to remove the solid acid catalyst from the reaction mixture, significantly reducing process complexity while maintaining continuous production capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional solid acid catalysts are used, then product separation is simplified, but selectivity is poor due to multiple dehydration reaction pathways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct separation simplicityVSAvoidisosorbide selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electron-withdrawing groups at specific positions (meta position) of the styrene unit in the resin catalyst. This localized modification creates specific active sites on the catalyst surface that favor the desired dehydration pathway to isosorbide while suppressing alternative pathways, thereby improving selectivity without compromising the solid catalyst's ease of separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 acidic resin catalyst achieves high isosorbide yield and selectivity, with improved high-temperature stability, reducing production costs and stabilizing product quality, making it suitable for continuous industrial processes.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

The acidic resin catalyst achieves high isosorbide yield and selectivity, with improved high-temperature stability, reducing production costs and stabilizing product quality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentEP4692144A1Acidic resin, preparation method therefor, use thereof, and preparation method for isosorbide

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP

AI summary

The present invention discloses an acidic resin, its preparation method and use, and a catalytic preparation method for isosorbide. The copolymer in the acidic resin comprises a first structural unit derived from styrene having an electron-withdrawing group at the meta position of the benzene ring, a second structural unit derived from divinylbenzene, and a third structural unit derived from an allylsulfonic acid compound represented by