Hydrofluorination of Chlorotrifluoropropene for High Single-Pass Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene results in difficult separation of the two compounds due to similar boiling points and azeotrope-like properties, leading to increased manufacturing costs and equipment size requirements.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the hydrofluorination of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene using catalysts like SbCl3, SbCl5, SbF5, TiCl4, SnCl4, Cr2O3, and fluorinated Cr2O3, with optional activation by anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and chlorine, achieves high single-pass conversion in vapor or liquid phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene is low, then separation difficulty increases due to similar boiling points and azeotrope-like properties, but increasing recycle to improve conversion requires larger equipment size and significantly increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying reaction conditions including temperature (30-200°C), pressure (5-200 psia), and HF to substrate mole ratio (1:1 to 1:30) to achieve high single-pass conversion. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing parameters to maximize conversion in a single pass, thereby reducing the need for complex separation processes and recycle streams that would increase equipment complexity.
2Productivity
If conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene is low, then separation difficulty increases due to similar boiling points and azeotrope-like properties, but increasing recycle to improve conversion significantly increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (30-200°C), pressure (5-200 psia), catalyst selection, and HF to substrate mole ratio (1:1 to 1:30) to achieve high single-pass conversion (70% or more). This resolves the contradiction by maximizing conversion in a single pass, thereby reducing the need for complex separation processes and recycle streams that would significantly increase manufacturing cost.
3Productivity
If conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene is low, then separation difficulty increases due to similar boiling points and azeotrope-like properties, but increasing recycle to improve conversion requires process equipment to be increased in size and scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing temperature (30-200°C), pressure (5-200 psia), catalyst selection, and HF to substrate mole ratio (1:1 to 1:30) to achieve high single-pass conversion (70% or more). This resolves the contradiction by maximizing conversion in a single pass, thereby reducing the need for increased recycle streams that would require larger equipment size and scale.
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 process achieves enhanced conversion of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane with conversion rates of 70% or more and selectivity of 60% or more, reducing the need for large-scale equipment and simplifying separation.
Implementation Method 1
hydrofluorinating 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of SbCl3, SbCl5, SbF5, TiCl4, SnCl4, Cr2O3, and fluorinated Cr2O3
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a process for making 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of hydrofluorinating 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of SbCl3, SbCl5, SbF5, TiCl4, SnCl4, Cr2O3, and fluorinated Cr2O3.