Metallocene Compound Preparation via Partial Hydrogenation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts do not offer narrow molecular weight distribution and excellent mechanical properties, limiting their application in polyethylene and polypropylene industries, whereas metallocene catalysts provide these advantages but require effective preparation methods to optimize their performance.

Innovation Solution

A novel metallocene compound preparation method involving a hydrogenation reaction catalyst, such as palladium or ruthenium, is used to introduce compounds like bisindenyl-based metallocene, which undergoes partial hydrogenation to produce indenyl-tetrahydroindenyl-based metallocene compounds, enhancing yield and polymerization efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If Ziegler-Natta catalyst is used, then the catalyst structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the molecular weight distribution is broad and mechanical properties are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight distributionVSAvoidcatalyst preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst system is segmented into two distinct components: a metallocene compound (providing narrow molecular weight distribution control) and a magnesium chloride support with electron donor (providing structural stability and ease of manufacture). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite catalyst system by combining metallocene compound with magnesium chloride support and electron donor. This composite structure integrates the precise molecular weight control capability of metallocene with the structural advantages of magnesium chloride, achieving both narrow molecular weight distribution and manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If metallocene catalyst is used, then narrow molecular weight distribution and excellent mechanical properties are achieved, but the catalytic activity and polymerization efficiency need optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular weight distributionVSAvoidpolymerization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes polymerization efficiency by changing key parameters: using magnesium chloride support with specific crystal structure, selecting appropriate electron donors (esters, ethers, or amines), and controlling the metallocene compound structure. These parameter changes enhance catalytic activity while maintaining narrow molecular weight distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The electron donor acts as an intermediary between the metallocene compound and magnesium chloride support, facilitating optimal interaction and enhancing catalytic activity. The electron donor mediates the activation process, improving polymerization efficiency without compromising the narrow molecular weight distribution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional catalyst preparation method is used, then the process is simple, but the yield and catalytic activity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst yieldVSAvoidpreparation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing the metallocene compound with specific structural features before combining it with the magnesium chloride support. This preliminary preparation of the metallocene compound (including partial hydrogenation of bridging groups) enhances the final catalyst yield and activity, justifying the additional process steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method achieves a higher yield and improved catalytic activity for polyolefin polymerization, resulting in better mechanical properties and comonomer incorporation, outperforming single catalyst systems under similar conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A novel metallocene compound preparation method involving a hydrogenation reaction catalyst, such as palladium or ruthenium, is used to introduce compounds like bisindenyl-based metallocene, which undergoes partial hydrogenation to produce indenyl-tetrahydroindenyl-based metallocene compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Implementation Method 2

A novel metallocene compound preparation method involving a hydrogenation reaction catalyst, such as palladium or ruthenium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS10618924B2Metallocene compound and preparation method therefor
Publication Date: 2020.04.14 HANWHA CHEMICAL CORPORATION
  • US10618924B2 patent drawing
  • US10618924B2 patent drawing
  • US10618924B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A preparation method for a metallocene compound is provided. The method includes: stirring at least one compound I among compounds expressed by the following chemical formula (I) and a hydrogenation reaction catalyst of 0.10 to 0.55 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the compound I under a hydrogen atmosphere; and obtaining a metallocene compound containing at least one first compound among the compounds expressed by the following chemical formula (1). Chemical formula (I) and (1) are provided in the specification.