Olefin Oligomerization Catalyst with Activity Modifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalyst systems for olefin oligomerization face challenges in maintaining stable process operation due to rapid initial reaction rate increases, which affects selectivity and catalytic activity, particularly for linear alpha-olefins like 1-hexene and 1-octene.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst system is developed comprising a ligand with a diphosphino aminyl moiety, a chromium source, and a cocatalyst, treated with an activity modifier to control initial catalytic activity, allowing for high selectivity and stable process operation by delaying the increase in catalytic activity and restoring it over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional catalyst systems are used for olefin oligomerization, then high catalytic activity is achieved, but rapid increase in reaction rate occurs making stable process operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidstable process operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the catalyst system with an activity modifier before the oligomerization reaction begins. This modifier temporarily reduces the catalyst's activity, preventing the rapid initial reaction rate increase. The modifier is added in a controlled manner prior to reactant introduction, allowing the catalyst to be 'primed' at a lower activity level that enables stable process operation while maintaining high selectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If catalyst activity is increased to improve productivity, then reaction rate increases, but selectivity to linear alpha-olefins decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidselectivity to linear alpha-olefins
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the catalyst system's activity parameters through the introduction of an activity modifier. This modifier changes the operational parameters of the catalyst, allowing the reaction to proceed at controlled rates that favor linear alpha-olefin formation. The parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain high selectivity while achieving acceptable productivity through controlled reaction progression.

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 method achieves high selectivity to 1-hexene or 1-octene with excellent catalytic activity and stable process operation, as demonstrated by controlled activity and selectivity throughout the reaction.

Implementation Method 1

contacting olefinic monomers with the catalyst system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3296329B1Method for oligomerization of olefins
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3296329B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296329B1 patent drawing
  • EP3296329B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for oligomerization of olefins. The method for oligomerization of olefins according to the present disclosure not only provides excellent catalytic activity and stable process operation, but also exhibits high selectivity to 1-hexene or 1-octene by using a catalyst system including an activity modifier.