Photochemical Hydrocarbon Conversion Using Supported Transition Metal Catalysts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for converting hydrocarbons into alcohols and/or carbonyls often require halogens or harsh reaction conditions, making them undesirable.

Innovation Solution

The process involves irradiating a hydrocarbon reactant with a supported transition metal catalyst, such as molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium, using a light beam in the UV-visible spectrum to reduce the catalyst, followed by hydrolysis to form alcohol and/or carbonyl compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If halogens or harsh reaction conditions are used to convert hydrocarbons into alcohols and carbonyls, then the conversion can be achieved, but the process becomes undesirable due to harsh conditions and potential environmental concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidharmful factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters by using visible light irradiation instead of harsh chemical conditions, and by employing a supported transition metal catalyst (molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium) to enable the conversion of hydrocarbons to alcohols and carbonyls under milder, more environmentally friendly conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces harsh chemical reagents (halogens) and extreme reaction conditions with a photochemical system using visible light and a transition metal catalyst, substituting mechanical/chemical force with optical energy to achieve the same transformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional synthesis techniques are used to prepare alcohols from alkanes, then alcohol production can be achieved, but the process requires halogens or harsh reaction conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidharmful factors

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters by using visible light irradiation and a supported transition metal catalyst to achieve alcohol production from alkanes under milder conditions, eliminating the need for halogens and harsh reagents while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically unreactive C-H bonds of alkanes into reactive intermediates through photochemical activation with visible light and transition metal catalyst, transforming what is usually a limitation (alkane stability) into an opportunity for selective functionalization without harsh conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method efficiently converts hydrocarbons into alcohol and/or carbonyl compounds at ambient temperature, achieving significant molar yields and producing oxygenated oligomers, even in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the hydrocarbon reactant and a supported transition metal catalyst comprising molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, or a combination thereof, with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum to reduce at least a portion of the supported transition metal catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto reduction: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

hydrolyzing the reduced transition metal catalyst to form a reaction product comprising the alcohol compound and/or the carbonyl compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12275679B2Transition metal-catalyzed production of alcohol and carbonyl compounds from hydrocarbons

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP

AI summary

Processes for converting a hydrocarbon reactant into an alcohol compound and/or a carbonyl compound are disclosed in which the hydrocarbon reactant and a supported transition metal catalyst—containing molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium—are irradiated with a light beam at a wavelength in the UV-visible spectrum, optionally in an oxidizing atmosphere, to form a reduced transition metal catalyst, followed by hydrolyzing the reduced transition metal catalyst to form a reaction product containing the alcohol compound and/or the carbonyl compound.