Pt-Bi Catalyst Conversion of Hexanetetrol to THFDCA
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative chemical synthesis strategies to produce useful intermediates and products like tetrahydrofuran dicarboxylic acid (THFDCA) and adipic acid from readily available sugars, with existing methods lacking flexibility and commercially attractive yields.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the conversion of 1,2,5,6-hexanetetrol (HTO) to THFDCA using a catalyst comprising platinum and bismuth, which includes ring closing and oxidation steps, allowing for the formation of THFDCA and its corresponding monoacid, with options for varying reaction conditions to optimize product yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional oxidation methods using supported Pd and Pt catalysts are used, then the reaction occurs under mild conditions (20-80°C, atmospheric pressure), but the selectivity and yield for producing THFDCA from HTO are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the catalyst composition parameter by using Pt-Bi alloy nanoparticles instead of conventional supported Pd or Pt catalysts. This compositional change enables high selectivity (≥90%) and high yield (≥85%) for THFDCA production while maintaining mild reaction conditions of 20-80°C and atmospheric pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between selectivity and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite Pt-Bi alloy catalyst material where platinum and bismuth are combined in specific ratios (Pt:Bi = 1:0.1 to 1:5). This composite structure leverages the synergistic effect between Pt (providing catalytic activity) and Bi (enhancing selectivity through electronic and geometric effects), achieving both high selectivity and high yield simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct oxidation of primary alcohol without functional groups is attempted, then alternative synthesis pathways can be explored, but the reaction has not been widely studied under mild conditions with oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary functional group strategy where the primary alcohol HTO is first converted to a functionalized intermediate (aldehyde or carboxylic acid) through controlled oxidation, which then undergoes ring-closing reaction to form THFDCA. The Pt-Bi catalyst mediates this multi-step transformation under mild conditions, enabling versatile synthesis pathways while maintaining high reaction efficiency and reliability.
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 process efficiently produces THFDCA and its monoacid with selective yields, offering flexibility in product synthesis and potentially higher commercial viability compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst comprising platinum and bismuth, which includes ring closing and oxidation steps
Implementation Method 2
oxidation of alcohols, aldehydes and carbohydrates has mainly focused on the use of supported Pd and Pt catalysts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods for synthesizing useful intermediates and/or products from 1,2,5,6-hexanetetrol (HTO), which itself can be derived from a sugar. In an aspect, a process is provided for production of THFDCA from 1,2,5,6-hexanetetrol (HTO). The process comprises the steps of (a) ring closing to form a ring compound and (b) oxidizing using a catalyst comprising platinum and bismuth to form an acid mixture. Step (a) may be performed before or after step (b).