Asymmetric Diphosphite Ligand for Hydroformylation Yield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydroformylation processes face challenges in achieving high yields of aldehydes from olefins.

Innovation Solution

A compound with a specific structure is used in the hydroformylation process, comprising introducing an olefin, adding a rhodium-containing substance, and supplying hydrogen and carbon monoxide under controlled conditions to enhance yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional hydroformylation processes are used, then the process is simple and well-established, but the yield of aldehydes from olefins is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield of aldehydesVSAvoidcomplexity of ligand structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a diphosphite ligand that combines two different phosphite wings (Me-wing and tBu-wing) with distinct electronic and steric properties. This composite ligand structure enables synergistic effects that improve catalytic activity and aldehyde yield beyond what single-structure ligands can achieve, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by designing asymmetric phosphite wings with different substituents (methyl vs. tert-butyl groups) at specific positions around the phosphorus atoms. Each wing provides localized electronic and steric characteristics that optimize different aspects of the catalytic cycle, allowing the ligand to simultaneously enhance catalyst stability and reaction productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If existing ligands are used in hydroformylation, then the ligand structure is simple, but the catalytic activity and selectivity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidligand structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the electronic and steric parameters of the phosphite ligand through different substituent combinations. The Me-wing and tBu-wing provide tunable electronic donation and steric bulk parameters that optimize the Rh catalyst's activity, selectivity, and stability, thereby improving catalytic performance despite increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional catalysts are used, then the process conditions are mild and easy to control, but the reaction efficiency and aldehyde production are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by forming a hybrid ligand system that combines electron-donating Me-groups and bulky tBu-groups in a single diphosphite molecule. This composite structure creates an optimized electronic environment around the Rh center, enhancing catalytic turnover frequency and reaction efficiency while maintaining controllable reaction conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed compound significantly increases the yield of aldehydes produced from olefins compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

adding a substance comprising Rh... whereby the olefin is converted to an aldehyde

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4403563B1Diphosphite with a me-wing component and a tbu-wing component
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 EVONIK OXENO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4403563B1 patent drawing
  • EP4403563B1 patent drawing
  • EP4403563B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Diphosphite with a Me wing component and a tBu wing component and its use in hydroformylation.