Chromium Catalyst System for Selective Olefin Trimerization and Tetramerization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catalyst systems for olefin oligomerization are limited to only trimerization and lack the capability to selectively tetramerize olefins, requiring complex solvent removal processes and resulting in reduced thermal stability and selectivity.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst system comprising a ligand compound, a chromium compound, and a metal alkyl compound, with a specific molar ratio, that enables both trimerization and tetramerization of olefins in a homogeneous liquid phase reaction, using an inert solvent and controlling the electronic and steric environment around the transition metal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catalyst system using Cr(EH)3 is prepared in an unsaturated hydrocarbon solvent, then catalyst activity and selectivity are improved, but complex solvent removal processes are required and thermal stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from unsaturated hydrocarbon to saturated hydrocarbon, which eliminates the need for solvent removal processes while maintaining catalyst functionality. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by simplifying the process while preserving catalytic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the unsaturated hydrocarbon solvent from the catalyst system, leaving only the necessary catalytic components. This extraction eliminates the complex removal processes and improves thermal stability while maintaining catalyst activity through the remaining active species.
2Ease of manufacture
If a catalyst system is prepared in a saturated hydrocarbon solvent, then solvent removal processes are eliminated, but thermal stability is degraded and catalyst selectivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite catalyst system comprising multiple components (chromium compound, ligand compound, and metal alkyl compound) that work synergistically. This composite structure enables the catalyst to achieve high thermal stability and selectivity in saturated hydrocarbon solvents, resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and catalyst performance.
3Productivity
If existing catalyst systems are used for olefin oligomerization, then only trimerization is achieved, but tetramerization capability is lost and product versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal catalyst system that can perform multiple oligomerization functions (trimerization and tetramerization) depending on reaction conditions. The catalyst system's ability to selectively produce different olefin oligomers based on ethylene concentration and reaction parameters provides multi-functionality, resolving the contradiction between specialized trimerization efficiency and versatile product range.
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 achieves high selectivity and activity for producing 1-hexene and 1-octene, with improved thermal stability and reduced by-product formation, eliminating the need for solvent removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst system for olefin oligomerization, including a ligand compound represented by the following Formula (1); a chromium compound; and a metal alkyl compound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a novel catalyst system which is a catalyst system for selectively oligomerizing olefin including ethylene and may trimerize and tetramerize olefin, different from the catalyst system for olefin oligomerization reported until now, and a method for preparing an olefin oligomer using same. The present invention provides a catalyst system for olefin oligomerization, including a ligand compound represented by Formula 1; a chromium compound; and a metal alkyl compound, and a method for preparing an olefin oligomer using same.