Alcohol Oxidation Catalyst Gold Copper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for oxidizing alcohols, particularly fatty alcohols, to produce carbonyl compounds face challenges in achieving high yield and selectivity while minimizing degradation products and waste organic solvents, and require economically and environmentally viable catalyst solutions.
Innovation Solution
A process using a catalyst comprising a gold compound and a copper compound, in the presence of oxygen or oxygen-containing gases, to oxidize ethoxylated alcohols, achieving high yield and selectivity with minimized degradation and allowing for easy catalyst recovery and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high reaction temperature (100-270°C) is used for oxidation with noble metal catalyst, then oxidation reaction proceeds efficiently, but the ether link in the desired product degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (100-270°C) to low (20-95°C) range, enabling efficient oxidation while preserving the ether link. This is achieved by combining specific noble metal catalysts (Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ru) with oxygen-containing gases under controlled low-temperature conditions, fundamentally altering the reaction parameters to avoid degradation while maintaining productivity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If oxygen-containing gases are used as oxidant, then environmental and economic requirements are improved, but yield and selectivity are insufficient for industrial use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite catalyst systems combining multiple noble metals (Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ru) with oxygen-containing gases to achieve high yield and selectivity. This composite approach enhances catalytic activity and selectivity, making the environmentally friendly oxygen-based oxidation process industrially viable with improved productivity while maintaining green chemistry principles.
3Productivity
If noble metal catalysts are used for oxidation, then catalytic activity is improved, but catalyst cost and environmental viability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes catalyst parameters by using noble metals in controlled amounts (0.1-10 wt%) under low-temperature conditions with oxygen-containing gases. This parameter optimization reduces catalyst loading requirements, lowering cost while improving environmental viability. The specific combination of noble metal type, concentration, and reaction conditions achieves high activity with minimal environmental impact.
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 high yield and selectivity in producing carbonyl compounds with reduced waste and enables cost-effective and environmentally friendly industrial application by enhancing catalytic performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
oxidizing an alcohol for the production of its corresponding carbonyl compounds wherein the oxidation is performed with oxygen or gases containing oxygen
Implementation Method 2
in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least a gold compound and a copper compound
Data Source
AI summary
A process of oxidizing an alcohol for the production of its corresponding carbonyl compounds is disclosed, wherein the oxidation is performed with oxygen or gases containing oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least a gold compound and a copper compound. Said alcohol oxidation by gaseous oxidant can achieve a high yield and selectivity with minimized degradation products or waste organic solvents.