Group 10 Catalysis for N-Bearing Carboxylic Acid Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for manufacturing N-bearing carboxylic acids result in undesired impurities such as nitrilotriacetate (NTA), ethylene glycol, and oxalic acid, which are not environmentally friendly and affect the performance of cleaning compositions, particularly in automatic dishwashing applications.
Innovation Solution
A process using a heterogeneous catalyst containing a group 10 metal, preferably platinum, with optional promoters like Cd, Tl, or Bi, at low temperatures (-10 to 40°C) to oxidize N-bearing compounds, minimizing impurities and achieving high purity N-bearing carboxylic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional oxidation processes are used to manufacture N-bearing carboxylic acids, then the manufacturing process is simple and readily available, but undesired impurities such as NTA, ethylene glycol, and oxalic acid are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the oxidation process conditions including using specific catalysts (metal oxides like MnO2, CuO, Fe2O3, Co3O4, NiO, ZnO, or mixed oxides), controlling temperature ranges (preferably 20-100°C), adjusting pH levels (preferably 2-8), and selecting appropriate oxygen sources. These parameter optimizations enable high purity N-bearing carboxylic acids to be produced while minimizing impurity formation without requiring overly complex process equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If alkoxylation step is used to manufacture N-bearing carboxylic acids, then the process is convenient, but ethylene glycol is formed which is subsequently converted to oxalic acid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by selectively removing or preventing the formation of harmful byproducts. The optimized oxidation process specifically targets the conversion of N-bearing alcohols to carboxylic acids while minimizing side reactions that produce ethylene glycol and subsequent oxalic acid. The controlled reaction conditions and catalyst selection extract the desired product while leaving impurity formation suppressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs strong oxidizing conditions using metal oxide catalysts and oxygen to accelerate the oxidation of N-bearing alcohols to carboxylic acids. This accelerated oxidation under controlled conditions (specific temperature, pH, and catalyst presence) ensures complete conversion to the desired carboxylic acid product while preventing the accumulation of intermediate byproducts like ethylene glycol that could convert to oxalic acid.
3Productivity
If existing manufacturing processes are used, then production is efficient, but the resulting carboxylic acids contain impurities not accepted in cleaning compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing preventive measures during the oxidation process itself rather than requiring post-production purification. The optimized reaction conditions, catalyst selection, and parameter control are designed from the outset to produce high purity N-bearing carboxylic acids suitable for cleaning compositions, eliminating the need for additional purification steps and maintaining production efficiency.
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 process effectively reduces or eliminates undesired impurities, producing high-purity N-bearing carboxylic acids suitable for cleaning compositions, especially in automatic dishwashing, with minimal oxalic acid and no detectable oxalates, ensuring excellent cleaning performance and environmental friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
a process for the synthesis of compounds with the general formula (II) or their respective alkali metal salts by oxidation of compounds of general formula (I) with oxygen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst containing a metal of group 10
Implementation Method 2
in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst containing a metal of group 10 of the periodic table of the elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards a process for the synthesis of compounds with general formula (II) or their respective alkali metal salts by oxidation of compounds of general formula (I) with oxygen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst containing a metal of group 10 of the periodic table of the elements, wherein R1 and R2 and R3 are same or different and selected from H and C1-C6-alkyl, non- substituted or substituted with one or more moieties selected from COOH and O-R4 with R4 being selected from H and C1-C4-alkyl.