Phosphinyl Isoindole Chromium Catalysts for Selective Alpha-Olefin Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalyst systems for ethylene oligomerization, such as those based on metal complexes of pyridine bis-imines and α-diimine compounds, face challenges in providing efficient and selective production of alpha olefins, necessitating the development of novel and improved catalyst systems.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst system comprising a bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine chromium salt complex or a chromium salt with a bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine, combined with an organoaluminum compound, is used for ethylene oligomerization to produce alpha olefins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing catalyst systems (metal complexes of pyridine bis-imines and α-diimine compounds) are used for ethylene oligomerization, then the reaction can proceed, but the efficiency and selectivity of alpha olefin production are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of ethylene oligomerizationVSAvoidselectivity of alpha olefin production

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the catalyst system by using chromium salts combined with specific bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine ligands. This combination creates a new catalytic system that improves both the efficiency and selectivity of ethylene oligomerization toward alpha olefin production, resolving the technical contradiction through fundamental parameter changes in catalyst composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite catalyst system consisting of chromium salt combined with bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine ligand. This composite material approach integrates multiple components (metal salt and organic ligand) to create a synergistic catalytic system that achieves superior efficiency and selectivity compared to existing single-component or different-composition catalysts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed catalyst system enhances the efficiency and selectivity of ethylene oligomerization, producing high yields of alpha olefins, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP4429812B1Chromium phosphinyl isoindole amidine complexes for tetramerization of ethylene

Publication Date: 2025.09.17 CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP

Figure 1

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a catalyst system comprising i) (a) a bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine chromium salt or (b) a chromium salt and a bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine and ii) an organoaluminum compound. The present disclosure also relate to a process comprising: a) contacting i) ethylene; ii) a catalyst system comprising (a) a 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine chromium salt complex or (b) a chromium salt and a bicyclic 2-[(phosphinyl)aminyl] cyclic imine; ii) an organoaluminum compound, and iii) optionally an organic reaction medium; and b) forming an oligomer product in a reaction zone.