Catalyst composition for cyclic carbonate production from CO<sub>2 </sub>and epoxides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catalysts for synthesizing cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide and epoxides require extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, and there is a need for catalysts that can operate under mild conditions while maintaining high selectivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst composition comprising a metal complex with a specific structure and a co-catalyst, such as N—N′-bis(ethylenesalicylidene)-diamino metal chloride and quaternary ammonium salts, is used to catalyze the reaction under conditions ranging from 50 to 180°C and atmospheric pressure, enhancing the synthesis of cyclic carbonate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing catalysts are used for synthesizing cyclic carbonate from CO2 and epoxides, then the reaction can proceed, but extreme conditions (high temperature and pressure) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing a new catalyst system (metal complex with specific ligands combined with co-catalysts) that fundamentally alters the reaction parameters, enabling the synthesis to proceed at mild temperatures (50-180°C) and atmospheric pressure instead of the extreme conditions previously required. This changes the temperature and pressure parameters from high to low ranges while maintaining reaction effectiveness.
2Stress or pressure
If existing catalysts are used for synthesizing cyclic carbonate from CO2 and epoxides, then the reaction can proceed, but extreme conditions (high pressure) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing a new catalyst system that fundamentally alters the pressure parameter, enabling the synthesis to proceed at atmospheric pressure instead of high pressure. This eliminates the need for specialized high-pressure equipment, reactors, and safety systems, thereby reducing device complexity and operational costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If phosgene is used as precursor for cyclic carbonate synthesis, then the production can proceed, but high toxicity and safety hazards are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'blessing in disguise' principle by replacing the harmful phosgene precursor with carbon dioxide, which is non-toxic, inexpensive, and readily available. This substitution converts a harmful chemical process into a beneficial one that also addresses environmental concerns by utilizing CO2 as a carbon source, thereby eliminating toxicity while maintaining production feasibility.
4Reliability
If mild conditions are used for cyclic carbonate synthesis, then safety and operational costs improve, but catalyst selectivity and efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the composite materials principle by creating a composite catalyst system that combines a metal complex (with specific ligands such as salen, salan, or salen-type ligands) with co-catalysts (such as quaternary ammonium salts or organic bases). This composite catalyst system synergistically enhances both the selectivity and efficiency of cyclic carbonate formation under mild conditions, resolving the trade-off between safety and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the local quality principle by designing the catalyst with specific local structural features (such as particular ligand configurations around the metal center) that create localized active sites optimized for cyclic carbonate formation. This local structural optimization ensures high selectivity and efficiency at the molecular level while maintaining overall mild reaction conditions.
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 composition achieves high selectivity and efficiency in producing cyclic carbonate under mild conditions, improving the safety and operational costs of the synthesis process.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst composition comprising a metal complex with a specific structure and a co-catalyst, such as N—N′-bis(ethylenesalicylidene)-diamino metal chloride and quaternary ammonium salts, is used to catalyze the reaction under conditions ranging from 50 to 180°C and atmospheric pressure, enhancing the synthesis of cyclic carbonate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to catalyst composition for cyclic carbonate production from CO2 and epoxides under mild conditions, which can effectively catalyze the cyclic carbonate synthesis and provides good selectivity to cyclic carbonate, wherein said catalyst composition comprising:a) the metal complex as shown in structure (I):wherein,M represents transition metal atom;R1, R2, and R3 represent independent group selected from hydrogen atom, halogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, alkoxy group, amine group, phenyl group, benzyl group, cyclic hydrocarbon group comprising hetero atom, perfluoroalkyl group, or nitro group;R4 represents group selected from alkylene group, cycloalkylene group, or phenylene group;X represents group selected from hydrogen atom, acetate group, or triflate group; andb) the organic compound as the co-catalyst selected from compound containing nitrogen, compound of quaternary ammonium salts, or compound of iminium salts.