Composite Catalyst for Alpha, Omega-Diol Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for high-yield and high-selectivity processes to produce alpha, omega-diols, such as 1,5-pentanediol and 1,6-hexanediol, from biomass-derived starting materials, as existing methods face challenges in efficiently converting oxygenated compounds from renewable sources into industrially useful chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the selective hydrodeoxygenation of oxygenated compounds using a catalyst comprising metals like Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Ni, Co, Fe, Cu, Ag, Pt, Pd, or Au, supported on materials like TiO2, zeolites, and WO3, which contacts the feedstock with hydrogen gas at specific temperatures and pressures to form alpha, omega-diols, with optional reductive amination steps to produce diaminoalkanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydrogenation methods are used to convert biomass-derived oxygenated compounds to alpha,omega-diols, then the process can proceed with simple catalyst systems, but the yield and selectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite catalyst systems combining multiple metal components (e.g., Ru with Cu, or Rh with Zn) to achieve synergistic effects that improve both yield and selectivity. The composite nature of these catalysts allows them to perform multiple functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (100-250°C), pressure (1-100 atm), and catalyst composition ratios to maximize productivity. By changing these parameters, the process achieves high yield and selectivity without requiring excessively complex catalyst systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If selective hydrodeoxygenation is implemented to improve product selectivity, then the conversion efficiency increases, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specific catalysts as intermediaries that facilitate selective hydrodeoxygenation through well-defined mechanisms. These catalysts mediate the conversion of oxygenated compounds to diols with high selectivity, avoiding the need for complex multi-step processes with multiple unit operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst composition, the patent achieves high selectivity for alpha,omega-diols while maintaining process simplicity. The optimized parameters enable selective conversion without requiring additional separation or purification steps.
3Productivity
If existing catalyst systems are used for hydrogenation of biomass-derived compounds, then the process is easier to operate, but the conversion efficiency and product yield are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite catalyst systems (e.g., Ru-Cu, Rh-Zn) that combine the advantages of different metals to achieve high conversion efficiency. These composite catalysts maintain operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity compared to conventional single-metal catalysts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses catalyst systems that are highly active and selective, allowing for shorter reaction times and easier operation. While the catalyst composition is complex, the overall process becomes simpler due to the high efficiency, reducing operational complexity despite sophisticated catalyst design.
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 effectively converts biomass-derived oxygenates into alpha, omega-diols with improved yields and selectivity, providing a sustainable route for producing industrially useful chemicals like 1,5-pentanediol and 1,6-hexanediol, and their corresponding diaminoalkanes, enhancing the utilization of renewable resources in chemical production.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the feedstock with hydrogen gas, in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form a product mixture comprising an α,ω-Cn-diol
Implementation Method 2
selective hydrodeoxygenation of oxygenated compounds
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are processes for preparing an α,ω-Cn-diol, wherein n is 5 or greater, from a feedstock comprising a Cn oxygenate. In some embodiments, the process comprises contacting the feedstock with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising metals M1, M2, and M3 and optionally a support, wherein: M1 is Mn, Cr, V, or Ti; M2 is Ni, Co, or Fe; and M3 is Cu, Ag, Pt, Pd or Au; or M1 is Pt or Rh; M2 is Cu, Ni or Pd; and M3 is Mo, Re or W. The Cn oxygenate may be obtained from a biorenewable resource.