Solid-Supported Chromium Catalyst for Olefin Oligomerization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalyst systems for olefin oligomerization require large amounts of cocatalysts and result in high production costs and fouling issues due to the formation of solid polyethylene by-products, which complicates the separation of catalysts from liquid-phase reactants and products.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst system where diphosphine groups form coordinate bonds with chromium, supported on a solid phase, using a molar ratio of chromium to ligand compound of 1 or more, and a cocatalyst such as trimethyl aluminium, allowing for high activity and selectivity in olefin oligomerization reactions, even with reduced cocatalyst amounts, and facilitating easy separation of catalysts from products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid-phase catalyst systems are used for olefin oligomerization, then catalytic activity can be achieved, but large amounts of cocatalyst are required and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidamount of cocatalyst
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the catalyst system from liquid-phase to solid-phase by supporting the chromium complex on a solid carrier. This phase change enables the catalyst to maintain high activity while requiring significantly reduced amounts of cocatalyst, as the solid-supported system prevents catalyst degradation and allows for more efficient utilization of the catalytic active sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite catalyst system by combining the chromium complex with organic ligands supported on a solid carrier material. This composite structure integrates the catalytic functionality with the structural stability of the support, enabling high productivity with reduced cocatalyst requirements through synergistic effects between the components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If liquid-phase catalyst systems are used, then olefin oligomerization can proceed, but solid polyethylene by-products form causing fouling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction efficiencyVSAvoidfouling from solid polyethylene
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phase state of the catalyst system from liquid to solid, which fundamentally alters the reaction environment. The solid-supported catalyst system prevents the formation of solid polyethylene by-products through controlled catalysis, thereby eliminating fouling while maintaining high reaction efficiency for olefin oligomerization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If liquid-phase catalyst systems are used, then catalysis can be performed, but separation of catalyst from liquid-phase products becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic functionVSAvoidseparation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the catalyst from liquid-dissolved to solid-supported form. This phase transition enables simple separation of the catalyst from liquid-phase products through filtration or centrifugation, while the catalyst maintains its catalytic function. The solid carrier provides a stable platform that facilitates easy product-catalyst separation without compromising catalytic activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system exhibits high activity and selectivity for linear alpha-olefins, reduces by-product formation, and prevents fouling by maintaining catalysts in a solid phase, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of olefin oligomerization reactions.

Implementation Method 1

a ligand compound, which has a structure including at least one nitrogen atom and at least one diphosphine group, and a chromium source, to form a catalyst system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordinate bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

catalyst system for olefin oligomerization reaction... high activity and selectivity for linear alpha-olefin in olefin oligomerization reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3225637B1Catalytic system for olefin oligomerization reaction and method for olefin oligomerization using same
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3225637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a catalyst system for olefin oligomerization reaction and a method for olefin oligomerization, and more particularly, a catalyst system for olefin oligomerization reaction and a method for olefin oligomerization, which enable more efficient preparation of alpha-olefin, because a catalytic active ingredient is supported on a support, thereby exhibiting high activity in olefin oligomerization reaction even by using smaller amounts of a catalyst composition and a cocatalyst.