Isomerization of 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene Using Heterogeneous Catalysts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes for isomerizing 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene to 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene using homogeneous catalysts are inefficient due to the need for costly catalyst removal and corrosive acidic systems, which limits reaction completion in carbonylation processes.

Innovation Solution

A process utilizing a heterogeneous catalyst system based on zeolite or ion-exchange resin for isomerization, allowing the catalyst to remain in the reactor and achieving high conversions without the need for removal, with a preferred catalyst composition and reactor configuration for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If homogeneous catalysts (strong mineral acids) are used for isomerization, then isomerization activity is achieved, but costly and inconvenient catalyst removal is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisomerization activityVSAvoidcatalyst removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the catalyst from homogeneous (dissolved in liquid phase) to heterogeneous (solid phase). This is achieved by using solid acid catalysts such as ion-exchange resins or zeolites instead of liquid mineral acids, allowing the catalyst to be easily separated from the liquid product stream through filtration or decantation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful property of homogeneous catalysts (the need for complex removal procedures) by transitioning to a heterogeneous system where the solid catalyst can be simply separated from the liquid reaction mixture, leaving the product stream free of catalyst contaminants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If homogeneous acidic catalyst systems are used, then isomerization reaction proceeds, but corrosive effects require high-quality materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidcorrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical nature parameter of the catalyst system from strong mineral acids (H2SO4, HCl) to solid acid catalysts with milder surface acidity. This reduction in acid strength eliminates the severe corrosion problems while maintaining sufficient catalytic activity for the isomerization reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful corrosive property of strong acids into a beneficial mild acid system that provides sufficient catalytic activity without the detrimental corrosion effects, thereby simplifying material requirements and equipment design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Volume of stationary object

If inadequate residence time is used in carbonylation processes, then reactor size is reduced, but terminal olefin TMP2 does not react to completion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactor sizeVSAvoidconversion completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the isomerization of TMP2 to TMP1 as a preliminary step before the carbonylation reaction. By pre-converting the unreactive internal olefin TMP2 into the reactive terminal olefin TMP1, the subsequent carbonylation process can proceed to completion with shorter residence times and smaller reactor volumes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the composition parameter of the feed stream to the carbonylation reactor by increasing the proportion of reactive terminal olefin TMP1 through pre-isomerization. This compositional change allows the carbonylation reaction to achieve complete conversion with reduced residence time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 increases the proportion of 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene in the product stream, enhancing reactivity and enabling complete conversion to valuable products while avoiding the drawbacks of homogeneous catalysis.

Implementation Method 1

performing the isomerization with the input stream using a heterogeneous catalyst based on a zeolite or an ion-exchange resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20240417345A1Process for isomerization of 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene to 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene
Publication Date: 2024.12.19 EVONIK OXENO GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A process isomerizes 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene to 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene over a heterogeneous catalyst based on a zeolite or an ion-exchange resin. The process includes providing an input stream containing 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene and 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene and performing the isomerization with the input stream using a heterogeneous catalyst based on a zeolite or an ion-exchange resin. A proportion of 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene in the total stream is at least 25 mol % based on the total input stream.