Chromium Catalyst System for Selective Olefin Oligomerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing linear alpha-olefins like 1-hexene and 1-octene require additional separation steps and lack selectivity in olefin oligomerization, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A novel ligand compound with a specific chemical structure, combined with an organic chromium compound, forms a catalyst system that exhibits high selectivity and catalytic activity for olefin oligomerization, allowing for efficient production of 1-hexene and 1-octene without the need for additional separation steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Shell Higher Olefin Process is used to produce linear alpha-olefins, then production capacity is achieved, but additional separation steps are required due to Schultz-Flory distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidseparation steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the catalyst system by introducing a specific chromium-based catalyst with particular ligands (Formula 1 and Formula 2) to alter the product distribution from Schultz-Flory to a more selective oligomerization pattern, thereby reducing the need for separation steps while maintaining production capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite catalyst system combining chromium compounds with specifically designed ligand structures (Formula 1 and Formula 2), creating a composite material that achieves both high productivity and selectivity for linear alpha-olefins without requiring additional separation equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If selective oligomerization catalyst system is used, then selectivity to specific alpha-olefins is improved, but catalytic activity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselectivity to alpha-olefinsVSAvoidcatalytic activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the catalyst by adjusting the ligand structure (Formula 1 and Formula 2) and chromium compound composition to achieve the right balance between selectivity and catalytic activity, ensuring both high manufacturing precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite catalyst system where the synergistic interaction between the chromium compound and the specifically designed ligands enhances both selectivity and catalytic activity simultaneously, resolving the trade-off between manufacturing precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If additional separation steps are implemented to obtain specific alpha-olefins, then product purity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct purityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters through catalyst design to produce high-purity linear alpha-olefins directly from the oligomerization reaction, eliminating or minimizing the need for energy-intensive separation and purification steps while maintaining product purity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 catalyst system significantly enhances the selectivity and efficiency of alpha-olefin production, reducing by-products like high molecular weight solids and minimizing the need for energy-intensive separation processes.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst system for olefin oligomerization according to any one of claims 1 to 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

an organic chromium compound comprising the ligand compound and chromium (Cr)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordination chemistry:

Data Source

PatentEP3260460B1Ligand compound, organic chrome compound, catalyst system for olefin oligomerization, and method for olefin oligomerization using same
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3260460B1 patent drawing
  • EP3260460B1 patent drawing
  • EP3260460B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a ligand compound, catalyst system for olefin oligomerization, and a method for oligomerizing olefins using the same. The catalyst system for olefin oligomerization according to the present invention exhibits high selectivity to 1-hexene or 1-octene while having excellent catalytic activity, thus enabling more efficient preparation of alpha-olefins.