N2-Phosphinyl Formamidine Chromium Catalysts for Olefin Oligomerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current catalyst systems for olefin oligomerization lack efficiency and innovation, necessitating the development of novel catalysts to enhance production of olefin oligomers, particularly alpha olefins, which are crucial for various industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of N2-phosphinyl formamidine compounds and their metal complexes, specifically chromium-based catalyst systems, which are used in conjunction with metal alkyls to facilitate the oligomerization or polymerization of olefins, such as ethylene, to produce high yields of C6 and C8 olefins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional catalyst systems are used for olefin oligomerization, then the process can proceed, but the efficiency and productivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveolefin oligomerization efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the ligand structure by introducing phosphinyl groups at specific positions on the formamidine backbone, changing the electronic and steric parameters of the catalyst system to achieve higher productivity and selectivity for C6 and C8 olefin oligomers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst system combines chromium metal center with N2-phosphinyl formamidine ligands to create a composite catalyst structure that integrates the benefits of both the metal's catalytic activity and the ligand's selective binding properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If existing catalyst systems are used, then olefin oligomerization can occur, but the selectivity for desired products (C6 and C8 olefins) is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific substituents (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) at localized positions on the formamidine ligand structure, where each position's substitution pattern is optimized to control the catalyst's selectivity for specific oligomer sizes (C6 and C8 products) without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst design segments the ligand structure into distinct functional regions: the formamidine core provides the metal-binding site, while the phosphinyl groups at N2 provide selective substrate interaction zones, allowing independent optimization of each region's function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

These catalyst systems significantly improve the efficiency and selectivity of olefin oligomerization, achieving high yields of desired products like C6 and C8 olefins, addressing the need for more effective catalysts in the production of olefin oligomers.

Implementation Method 1

The development of N2-phosphinyl formamidine compounds and their metal complexes, specifically chromium-based catalyst systems, which are used in conjunction with metal alkyls to facilitate the oligomerization or polymerization of olefins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3083646B1Phosphinyl formamidine compounds, metal complexes, catalyst systems, and their use to oligomerize or polymerize olefins
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
  • EP3083646B1 patent drawing
  • EP3083646B1 patent drawing
  • EP3083646B1 patent drawing

AI summary

N2-phosphinyl formamidine compounds and N2-phosphinyl formamidine metal salt complexes are described. Methods for making N2-phosphinyl formamidine compounds and N2-phosphinyl formamidine metal salt complexes are also disclosed. Catalyst systems utilizing the N2-phosphinyl formamidine metal salt complexes are also disclosed along with the use of the N2-phosphinyl amidine compounds and N2- phosphinyl amidinate metal salt complexes for the oligomerization and/or polymerization of olefins.