Chromium Fluorination Catalyst Water Control for 2-Chloro-3,3,3-Trifluoropropene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes for producing 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene suffer from decreased catalytic activity over time, leading to reduced selectivity and inefficiencies, making continuous high-yield industrial production challenging.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the reaction of chlorine-containing compounds with anhydrous HF in a gas phase using a chromium atom-containing fluorination catalyst, with controlled low water content and the presence of molecular chlorine, to maintain catalytic activity and achieve high selectivity and yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the reaction is continued for a long period of time to maintain continuous production, then productivity is improved, but catalytic activity decreases resulting in reduced selectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidselectivity of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the water content in the reaction system at a very low level (≤300 ppm). This parameter control prevents catalyst deactivation that would otherwise occur during prolonged reaction periods, thereby maintaining both continuous productivity and high selectivity throughout the reaction process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by preemptively controlling water content to prevent catalyst deactivation before it occurs. By maintaining low water levels from the start of the reaction, the catalyst remains active and selective throughout extended operation periods, avoiding the need for frequent catalyst replacement or activation treatments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If stabilizers are added to suppress catalyst deterioration, then catalytic activity is maintained, but selectivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activity durationVSAvoidselectivity of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by removing water (a harmful impurity) from the reaction system rather than adding stabilizers. By extracting the problematic water component and maintaining its level at ≤300 ppm, the catalyst remains active without requiring stabilizer additives that would compromise product selectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If liquid phase reaction with antimony halide catalyst is used, then catalytic activity is maintained, but reactor corrosion occurs and waste treatment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst stabilityVSAvoidreactor corrosion and waste treatment needs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase transitions by conducting the reaction in the gas phase rather than liquid phase. This phase change eliminates the corrosion issues and waste treatment requirements associated with liquid phase reactions using antimony halide catalysts, while still maintaining reliable catalytic activity through chromium-based catalysts under controlled water content conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 approach allows for continuous production of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with high selectivity and yield over a long period, eliminating the need for frequent catalyst activation or replacement, thus being economically advantageous for industrial-scale production.

Implementation Method 1

reacting at least one chlorine-containing compound (A) selected from chloropropanes of formula (1) and chloropropenes of formula (2) or (3) with anhydrous HF in a gas phase in the presence of a chromium atom-containing fluorination catalyst while heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3536680B1Process for producing 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

This invention provides a process for producing 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, comprising: reacting anhydrous hydrogen fluoride with at least one chlorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of chloropropanes and chloropropenes represented by specific formulas in a gas phase in the presence of a chromium atom-containing fluorination catalyst while heating, the reaction being carried out in the presence of molecular chlorine or with a water content in the reaction system of 300 ppm or less. This invention enables suppression of catalyst deterioration and efficient production of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in a simple and economically advantageous manner on an industrial scale.