Immobilized Phenol-Phosphonium Catalyst for Mild Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing immobilized phosphonium bromide salt catalysts require harsh reaction conditions such as high pressure and high temperature to synthesize cyclic carbonate compounds, leading to high energy costs and catalyst deactivation, which is undesirable for sustainable production.

Innovation Solution

A phenol moiety-containing quaternary phosphonium salt immobilized on an inorganic support is used, allowing for the synthesis of cyclic carbonate compounds under mild conditions like normal pressure and room temperature, with the catalyst being easily recoverable and reusable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If phosphonium bromide salt catalysts immobilized on silica gel are used, then the catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused, but harsh reaction conditions such as high pressure and high temperature are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst recoveryVSAvoidreaction temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure of the phosphonium salt catalyst by introducing a phenol moiety, which fundamentally alters the catalytic properties. This structural modification enables the catalyst to function effectively under mild conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure) while maintaining the immobilized form that allows easy filtration and reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If phosphonium bromide salt catalysts immobilized on silica gel are used, then the catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused, but enormous energy costs due to heating arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst recoveryVSAvoidenergy cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the catalyst structure by incorporating a phenol group, which changes the reaction mechanism to proceed under mild conditions. This eliminates the need for high-temperature heating, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while preserving the catalyst's immobilized nature for easy recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If phosphonium bromide salt catalysts immobilized on silica gel are used, then the catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused, but the catalyst is readily deactivated during the reaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst recoveryVSAvoidcatalyst stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phenol moiety to the phosphonium salt structure, which fundamentally changes the catalyst's chemical properties. This modification enhances the catalyst's stability and resistance to deactivation during the reaction, allowing it to maintain activity over multiple reuse cycles while remaining easily recoverable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If phosphonium bromide salt catalysts immobilized on silica gel are used, then the catalyst can be easily recovered by filtration and reused, but low catalytic activities require high pressure conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst recoveryVSAvoidreaction pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the catalyst structure by adding a phenol group, which significantly enhances the catalytic activity. This increased activity allows the reaction to proceed efficiently under atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for high-pressure conditions while maintaining the catalyst's immobilized form for easy recovery.

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 immobilized quaternary phosphonium salt catalyst enables high-yield and high-purity synthesis of cyclic carbonates under mild conditions, facilitating easy recovery and reuse.

Implementation Method 1

an immobilized, phenol moiety-containing quaternary phosphonium salt obtained by introducing a linker moiety having a phenol structure onto a quaternary phosphonium salt as a catalyst, the corresponding cyclic carbonate compound can be synthesized in a high yield

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4696696A1Immobilized quaternary phosphonium salt having phenol domain, method for producing same, and cyclic carbonate production method using same
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SHIN ETSU CHEMICAL CO LTD
  • EP4696696A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696696A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696696A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This immobilized quaternary phosphonium salt having a phenol domain is formed of at least an inorganic carrier and a quaternary phosphonium silane that is represented by general formula (1) and that has a phenol domain. A silicon atom of the quaternary phosphonium silane having a phenol domain is immobilized to the inorganic carrier via a covalent bond with an oxygen atom existing on the surface of the inorganic carrier. The immobilized quaternary phosphonium salt having a phenol domain enables production of a cyclic carbonate compound at an excellent yield under a mild condition such as at ordinary pressure and/or room temperature, and can be easily recovered and recycled after reaction. (R1 and R2 each represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1-10 carbon atoms, R3 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1-10 carbon atoms, R4-R6 each represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1-10 carbon atoms, n represents an integer of 0-2, and X represents a halogen atom.)