Aromatic Polyether Production via Potassium Carbonate Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing high-molecular weight aromatic polyethers using aromatic chlorine compounds are limited in efficiency and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the reaction of 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone and hydroquinone in the presence of potassium carbonate, where the potassium carbonate satisfies specific conditions regarding bulk density and particle size distribution, to produce a high-molecular weight aromatic polyether.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods using aromatic chlorine compounds are used for producing aromatic polyether, then the production process is established, but the molecular weight of the resulting aromatic polyether is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight of aromatic polyetherVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameters of potassium carbonate, specifically controlling bulk density to 0.5 g/mL or less and particle size distribution (D10-D90 range of 40-150 μm), to enhance reaction efficiency and achieve high molecular weight aromatic polyether with improved production reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces potassium carbonate as a mediator catalyst in the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone and hydroquinone, where the specific physical properties of potassium carbonate enable efficient ion exchange and catalysis, resolving the contradiction between production efficiency and molecular weight achievement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If potassium carbonate with conventional physical properties is used, then the reaction proceeds, but the molecular weight of aromatic polyether remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight of aromatic polyetherVSAvoidreaction conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the physical parameters of potassium carbonate (bulk density ≤0.5 g/mL, controlled particle size D10-D90: 40-150 μm) to optimize its catalytic performance, enabling the reaction to proceed under milder conditions while achieving high molecular weight aromatic polyether

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a dynamic particle size distribution system where the controlled range (D10-D90: 40-150 μm) allows for optimal mass transfer and reaction kinetics, balancing ease of manufacture with high molecular weight product formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If high molecular weight aromatic polyether is produced, then the polymer properties are enhanced, but the melt flow index becomes too low for practical applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight of aromatic polyetherVSAvoidmelt flow index
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes reaction parameters including potassium carbonate physical properties, reaction temperature (200-300°C), and time (2-10 hours) to achieve a balanced product with high molecular weight and acceptable melt flow index for practical processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses excess potassium carbonate (5-20 wt% relative to hydroquinone) to ensure complete conversion and high molecular weight formation, while the controlled reaction conditions prevent excessive crosslinking that would overly reduce melt flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 method achieves a high-molecular weight aromatic polyether with a low melt flow index, enhancing the polymer's properties and making it suitable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

A method involving the reaction of 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone and hydroquinone in the presence of potassium carbonate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12319785B2Method for producing aromatic polyether, and potassium carbonate used in same
Publication Date: 2025.06.03 IDEMITSU KOSAN CO LTD
  • US12319785B2 patent drawing
  • US12319785B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method for producing an aromatic polyether, comprising reacting 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone and hydroquinone in the presence of a potassium carbonate satisfying at least one of the following conditions (A) and (B): (A) the potassium carbonate has a bulk density of 1.2 g/ml or less; and (B) an average particle diameter D (μm) and a specific surface area S (m2/g) of the potassium carbonate satisfy D/S≤600.