Caprolactone Hydrogenation to 1,6-Hexanediol via Merged Catalysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing 1,6-hexanediol are cumbersome, requiring multiple steps, separate purification, and high energy costs, with none utilizing caprolactone as a reactant effectively.
Innovation Solution
A one-pot process in the liquid phase at 260-300 bar and 180-240 °C using a catalytically effective amount of catalysts like Cu, Mn, Al, Cr, Zn, and Zr, which allows for high selectivity and yield of 1,6-hexanediol without additional purification steps, using caprolactone, its oligomers, or polymers as raw materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional processes are used to produce 1,6-hexanediol, then the product can be obtained, but multiple separate steps and reactors are required along with separate purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple process steps (hydrogenation and purification) into a single reactor system. The catalyst system performs both hydrogenation of caprolactone to 1,6-hexanediol and simultaneous purification functions, eliminating the need for separate purification equipment and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst system exhibits multi-functionality by simultaneously performing hydrogenation catalysis and product purification. The catalyst not only facilitates the conversion of caprolactone to 1,6-hexanediol but also selectively adsorbs or catalyzes removal of impurities, making a single reactor perform multiple functions.
2Productivity
If conventional processes are used to produce 1,6-hexanediol, then the product can be obtained, but high energy costs are incurred due to multiple process stages
Solution Approach 1:
By merging hydrogenation and purification into one continuous process in a single reactor, the patent eliminates the need for separate heating, cooling, and processing cycles that would be required in multi-stage processes, thereby significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The process operates continuously in a single reactor where caprolactone is converted to 1,6-hexanediol and purified in one continuous operation, eliminating the start-stop cycles and intermediate handling that consume additional energy in conventional multi-stage batch processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional processes are used to produce 1,6-hexanediol, then the product can be obtained, but separate purification steps are required to achieve high purity
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst system serves dual purposes: catalyzing the hydrogenation reaction and simultaneously performing purification by selectively interacting with impurities. This multi-functionality achieves high product purity without requiring separate purification equipment or steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst system performs self-service by automatically removing impurities during the hydrogenation process itself. The purification function is inherent to the catalyst's operation, eliminating the need for external purification interventions or separate processing steps.
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 process achieves high selectivity (up to 99.7%) and yield (99-100%) of 1,6-hexanediol in a single reactor stage, reducing energy requirements and eliminating the need for separate purification.
Implementation Method 1
a catalytically effective amount of at least one catalyst comprising Cu, Mn, Al, Cr, Zn, Ba and /or Zr
Implementation Method 2
hydrogenation of caprolactone and/or its oligomers or polymers to 1,6-hexanediol
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention refers to a process for hydrogenation of caprolactone and/or its oligomers or polymers to 1,6-hexanediol. The process is performed in liquid phase at a pressure between 100 and 350 bar and is performed in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of at least one catalyst comprising Cu, Mn, Al, Cr, Zn, Ba and/or Zr.