Homogeneous Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Conjugated Diene Polymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conjugated diene polymers are unstable due to high unsaturated double bonds, making them prone to degradation, and existing catalyst compositions for hydrogenation have limitations in stability and efficiency, particularly in commercial mass production.

Innovation Solution

A novel homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst composition containing a titanium compound, an organometallic compound, and an oligomer with a polyglycol segment is used to selectively hydrogenate conjugated diene polymers, allowing for lower catalyst concentrations and improved stability, enabling rapid and reproducible hydrogenation across a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If non-hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer is used, then crosslinking reactivity is improved, but stability against heat and oxidation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosslinking reactivityVSAvoidstability against heat and oxidation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the hydrogenation degree of the conjugated diene polymer to approximately 50%, transforming it from a non-hydrogenated state (high reactivity, low stability) to a partially hydrogenated state (balanced reactivity and stability). This partial hydrogenation reduces unsaturated double bonds to improve stability while retaining sufficient crosslinking reactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional homogeneous catalyst composition is used, then hydrogenation activity is improved, but catalyst concentration and residue deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogenation activityVSAvoidcatalyst concentration and residue
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite catalyst system comprising multiple components: a titanium compound (e.g., bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride), an organometallic compound (e.g., triisobutyl aluminum), and a polyether compound. This composite catalyst composition achieves high hydrogenation activity at lower concentrations while reducing catalyst residue in the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Speed

If existing catalyst composition is used, then hydrogenation speed is improved, but selectivity and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogenation speedVSAvoidselectivity and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a polyether compound as an intermediary in the catalyst system. This polyether component enhances the stability and selectivity of the catalyst while maintaining high hydrogenation speed. The polyether acts as a mediator that improves the overall performance of the catalyst system without sacrificing reaction rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 catalyst composition achieves high hydrogenation efficiency with minimal catalyst residue, enhancing economic efficiency and stability, suitable for commercial mass production, with over 95% hydrogenation of unsaturated double bonds in conjugated diene monomers and less than 2% in vinyl aromatic monomers.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst composition for selectively hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer in a homogeneous system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

selectively hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Data Source

PatentEP3327041B1Process and catalyst composition for producing selectively hydrogenated conjugated diene polymer
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 TSRC CORP
  • EP3327041B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327041B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327041B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A catalyst composition for selectively hydrogenating a conjugated diene polymer in a homogeneous system is provided, wherein the conjugated diene polymer comprises a conjugated diene monomer or a combination of a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer. The catalyst composition includes the catalyst components of (a) a titanium compound; (b) an organometallic compound; and (c) an oligomer containing a polyglycol segment. The hydrogenated polymer produced using the catalyst composition and the method thereof is also provided.