Olefin Epoxidation Process Using Hansen Solubility Parameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional epoxidation processes of olefins with peroxides face challenges in achieving high conversion rates while maintaining selectivity and minimizing hydrolysis, particularly in batch reactions where temperature control is difficult, leading to safety concerns and reduced production capacity.
Innovation Solution
A process for epoxidation of olefins using a solvent with specific solubility parameters (δT,solvent and δH,solvent) that match or closely align with the epoxide product parameters (δT,product and δH,product), allowing for increased selectivity and reduced hydrolysis, utilizing a reactor such as a micro-reactor or flow reactor with suitable peroxide as the epoxidizing agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If peroxide is added dropwise in a batch reactor at lower temperature, then selectivity of epoxidation is improved, but reaction time increases and production capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from batch reaction to continuous flow reaction, enabling continuous addition of peroxide and continuous removal of product. This maintains optimal reaction conditions throughout the process, achieving high selectivity while increasing production capacity through continuous operation rather than intermittent batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flow reactor that segments the reaction into small, controlled segments along the flow path. This allows precise control of temperature and residence time in each segment, maintaining high selectivity while enabling continuous high-volume production through parallel processing of multiple reaction segments.
2Quantity of substance
If reaction time is extended to improve conversion rate, then more olefin is converted, but temperature control becomes more difficult and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous flow reactor enables constant removal of reaction heat as product forms, preventing temperature runaway even at high conversion rates. The continuous flow of reactants and products through the reactor maintains thermal equilibrium, allowing high conversion while preserving safety and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic flow system where residence time, flow rate, and temperature can be continuously adjusted to optimize conversion while maintaining safety. The system adapts to changing reaction conditions in real-time, enabling high conversion rates without compromising temperature control or safety.
3Stability of the object's composition
If peracetic acid with low water content is used to reduce hydrolysis, then epoxide stability is improved, but process complexity increases due to additional purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous flow reactor enables immediate reaction of peracetic acid with olefin upon mixing, completing the epoxidation before significant hydrolysis can occur. This continuous processing eliminates the need for extensive purification to remove water, as the reaction timeframe is too short for hydrolysis to compete, simplifying the overall process while maintaining epoxide stability.
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
This approach enables high olefin conversion rates with high diepoxide selectivity and low hydrolysis, improving production efficiency and safety by controlling reaction conditions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
reacting peroxide with the olefin in a reactor in the presence a solvent, wherein the solvent has solubility parameters of δT,solvent and δH,solvent, and an epoxide product has solubility parameters of δT,product and δH,product
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention is related to a process for the epoxidation of olefin with peroxide, comprising reacting peroxide with olefin in the presence a solvent, wherein the solvent has Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) of δT,solvent and δH,solvent and the epoxide product has Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) of δT,product and δH,product, and wherein:δT,product−6≦δT,solvent≦δT,product+6, andδH,product−6≦δH,solvent.