Solid Acid Catalyst for Linear Alpha Olefin Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of linear alpha olefins (LAOs) from renewable feedstocks is challenging due to the ease of terminal double bond migration to internal positions, and existing processes rely on expensive homogeneous catalysts that are difficult to separate and recycle, making them unsustainable and costly.
Innovation Solution
A process using inexpensive, robust heterogeneous solid acid catalysts to convert hydroxy carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic acids, and lactones from biomass into LAOs, with a focus on Lewis acid catalytic sites and suitable temperatures to achieve high selectivity and yield of LAOs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If homogeneous catalysts are used for LAO production from renewable feedstocks, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the catalyst separation and recycling becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a solid acid catalyst that can be easily separated from the reaction mixture through filtration or decantation. The catalyst is designed to be reusable for multiple reaction cycles, eliminating the need for expensive separation and recycling processes associated with homogeneous catalysts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the catalyst from homogeneous (liquid or dissolved) to heterogeneous (solid), which fundamentally alters the separation process. This parameter change enables simple physical separation methods while maintaining high catalytic activity and selectivity for LAO production.
2Reliability
If conventional processes are used for LAO production, then the process is well-established, but the reliance on fossil carbon makes it unsustainable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the feedstock parameter from fossil-based to biomass-derived renewable resources. This substitution maintains the reliability of the chemical transformation process while achieving sustainability goals through the use of renewable carbon sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal solid acid catalyst system that can process multiple types of biomass-derived feedstocks including lactones, hydroxy carboxylic acids, and unsaturated carboxylic acids. This multi-functionality enables the process to adapt to different renewable feedstock sources while maintaining consistent product quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing catalysts are used for LAO production, then the process is cost-effective, but the selectivity to LAO is low due to terminal double bond migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the catalyst properties by using solid acid catalysts with specific acid site characteristics that suppress the isomerization reaction. This parameter change in catalyst selection and characterization enables high LAO selectivity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of abundant, non-precious metal catalyst 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
This method produces a stream of LAOs with unprecedented high levels of selectivity and yield, using renewable feedstocks and inexpensive catalysts, enabling the production of both even and odd carbon-number LAOs, thus addressing sustainability and cost concerns.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a feedstock comprising at least one lactone, at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid, or a combination of at least one lactone and at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid with a solid acid catalyst having acidic catalytic sites including Lewis acid catalytic sites
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method to make linear alpha olefins. The method includes the steps of contacting a feedstock having a lactone and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid with a solid acid catalyst having acidic catalytic sites including Lewis acid catalytic sites, for a time and a temperature wherein at least a fraction of the lactone and/or unsaturated carboxylic acid present in the feedstock is converted into a linear alpha olefin. The method may optionally take place in the presence of water. The solid acid catalyst should preferably have at least 50% Lewis acid catalytic sites.