Bisphosphine Chromium Catalyst Eliminates MAO for 1-Hexene Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ethylene oligomerization catalyst systems require expensive methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified-methylaluminoxane (MMAO), have low optimal activity temperatures, and produce undesired polyethylene byproducts, limiting their commercial viability and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A bisphosphine ligand compound and chromium compound system that eliminates the need for MAO or MMAO, achieving high activity and selectivity for 1-hexene and 1-octene production with an optimal activity temperature of 80°C or higher, suppressing polyethylene byproduct generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems use MAO or MMAO to achieve high activity, then catalytic activity is improved, but production cost increases due to expensive co-catalyst requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for expensive MAO or MMAO co-catalysts from the catalytic system. The chromium complex catalyst achieves high activity through its specific ligand structure (Formula A) and chromium center configuration, removing the need for aluminum-based co-catalysts entirely. This extraction of the problematic component resolves the contradiction between activity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex MAO/MMAO co-catalysts with a simpler, more economical chromium complex system that uses readily available ligands and co-catalysts. The new system achieves comparable or superior activity without requiring expensive additives, effectively substituting costly components with cheaper alternatives.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional catalyst systems operate at low temperature (about 60°C) to maintain selectivity, then reaction control is improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the optimal operating temperature parameter from 60°C to 80°C or higher. The modified chromium complex catalyst maintains high selectivity for 1-hexene and 1-octene production at this elevated temperature while improving heat dissipation characteristics. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between reaction control and productivity.
3Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems increase reaction temperature to improve productivity, then output increases, but polyethylene byproduct generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of elevated temperature operation into a benefit by designing a chromium complex catalyst that specifically suppresses polyethylene byproduct formation even at 80°C or higher. The catalyst's ligand structure (Formula A) and chromium center configuration create selective pathways that favor oligomer production over polymerization, turning the temperature increase from a harmful factor into a productivity-enhancing condition.
4Productivity
If conventional catalyst systems use large amounts of MAO or MMAO to achieve commercial activity levels, then catalytic activity is sufficient, but the balloon effect occurs and mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the source of the balloon effect by removing the requirement for large amounts of MAO or MMAO co-catalysts. The chromium complex catalyst system achieves commercial activity levels through its intrinsic catalyst design, preventing the gas accumulation and operational difficulties associated with excessive co-catalyst use.
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 system enables high-yield production of 1-hexene and 1-octene without MAO or MMAO, improving economic feasibility and reducing polyethylene byproducts, making it suitable for mass production and commercial processes.
Implementation Method 1
a chromium compound prepared using the same; an ethylene oligomerization catalyst system comprising the chromium compound
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bisphosphine ligand compound, a chromium compound prepared using same, an ethylene oligomerization catalyst system containing the chromium compound, and an ethylene oligomer preparing method, wherein the bisphosphine ligand compound is suitable for mass production and commercial processes, allows extremely high activity to be compatible with excellent economical benefit, and increases selectivity for ethylene oligomerization reaction, thereby being able to be used to manufacture 1-hexene and/or 1-octene at high yield.