Double Metal Cyanide Catalyst Epoxide Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for catalysts that can efficiently catalyze the polymerization of epoxides with high turnover frequencies and turnover numbers to enable cost-effective production of epoxide-based polymers, particularly for homo- and copolymers from epoxides and optional further monomers.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst system is developed by mixing a double metal cyanide compound with specific organic complexing agents and a primary alcohol having 20 carbon atoms, which shows excellent catalytic activity in the polymerization of epoxides, enabling efficient and economical production of polymers such as polyethers, polycarbonates, or poly[ether]polycarbonates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional DMC catalysts are used for epoxide polymerization, then polymer production is achieved, but turnover frequencies and turnover numbers are insufficient for cost-effective production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the catalyst system by changing the ligand parameters - specifically using primary alcohols with 20 carbon atoms (such as squalane) instead of conventional ligands. This parameter change in the catalyst structure leads to significantly improved turnover frequencies and turnover numbers, making the polymerization process more productive and cost-effective
2Productivity
If conventional DMC catalysts are used for epoxide polymerization, then polymer production is achieved, but turnover numbers are insufficient for cost-effective production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the catalyst system by changing the ligand parameters - specifically using primary alcohols with 20 carbon atoms (such as squalane) instead of conventional ligands. This parameter change in the catalyst structure leads to significantly improved turnover frequencies and turnover numbers, making the polymerization process more productive and cost-effective
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 effective reaction control and efficient production of polymers with high catalytic activity, allowing for the production of polymers with specific properties such as narrow molar mass distribution and low double bonds, suitable for various applications including foams, adhesives, and composite materials.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst for catalyzing the polymerization of epoxides, obtainable by mixing a) at least one double metal cyanide compound
Implementation Method 2
The double metal cyanide complex contains as possible ligands an alcohol, ester, aldehyde, ketone, ether, amide, nitrile, sulfide or a mixture thereof
Implementation Method 3
at least one organic complexing agent selected from ethanol, i-propyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, i-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, monoglymes, diglymes, 1,4-dioxane, furan and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a catalyst for catalysing the polymerisation of epoxides, and which is to be improved such that it allows a more efficient reaction to be carried out. This is achieved by providing a catalyst obtainable by mixing a) at least one double metal cyanide compound, b) at least one organic complexing agent, and c) at least one primary alcohol with 6 to 24 C atoms. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the polymerisation of epoxides, and to the use of the claimed catalyst for the polymerisation of epoxides and the copolymerisation of epoxides with carbon dioxide.