Alkene Oxide Synthesis via Room Temperature Ozonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing ethylene oxide through selective gas-phase partial oxidation of ethylene face challenges in achieving high selectivity due to thermodynamically favored side reactions, which produce CO2 and water.
Innovation Solution
A method involving selective partial ozone-based oxidation at low temperature, using ozone as the main reactant and a supported silver catalyst, to produce alkene oxides from alkenes, thereby minimizing side reactions and enhancing selectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional selective gas-phase partial oxidation of ethylene with supported Ag/α-Al2O3 catalysts is used at high temperature (230-270°C), then ethylene oxide production is achieved, but selectivity is reduced due to thermodynamically favored side reactions producing CO2 and water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (230-270°C) to low (room temperature) and changes the oxidant from molecular oxygen to ozone, which fundamentally alters the reaction pathway and eliminates the thermodynamically favored side reactions that occur at high temperatures with traditional catalysts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ozone as a strong oxidant instead of molecular oxygen, enabling selective epoxidation at room temperature. The strong oxidizing power of ozone allows the reaction to proceed at lower temperatures where side reactions are minimized, thereby improving selectivity while maintaining productivity
2Speed
If high temperature (230-270°C) and pressure (1-3 MPa) conditions are applied for ethylene epoxidation, then reaction rate is improved, but energy consumption increases and side reactions are promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dramatically changes the temperature parameter from 230-270°C to room temperature and reduces pressure requirements, which maintains adequate reaction rate through the use of ozone while significantly reducing energy consumption associated with heating and pressurization
Solution Approach 2:
The use of ozone as a strong oxidant provides sufficient reactivity at room temperature, eliminating the need for high temperature and pressure conditions while maintaining productive reaction rates
3Manufacturing precision
If promoters (Cs, Re, Mo, vinyl chloride) are added to Ag/α-Al2O3 catalysts to enhance selectivity to ethylene oxide, then selectivity improves from 50% to 90%, but device complexity and process cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex promoter system (Cs, Re, Mo, vinyl chloride) from the catalyst formulation by using ozone-based oxidation, which achieves high selectivity through the inherent selectivity of the ozone-alkene reaction rather than through complex catalyst modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental reaction parameter from thermal oxidation with O2 to ozonation with O3, which inherently provides high selectivity without requiring promoter additives, thereby simplifying the catalyst system
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
This method allows for the production of ethylene oxide with improved selectivity and efficiency at room temperature, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
selective partial oxidation at low temperature, such as at room temperature. In the process of the present application, the alkylene oxides are produced by reacting alkene with ozone as the main reactant and in the presence of a supported silver catalyst
Implementation Method 2
reacting the alkene with ozone in the presence of a silver catalyst under conditions for selective partial oxidation of the alkene to provide the alkylene oxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present application includes a method for preparing an alkylene oxide from an alkene that comprises reacting the alkene with ozone in the presence of a silver catalyst under conditions for selective partial oxidation of the alkene to provide the alkylene oxide at low temperatures.