Transition Metal Complex Catalyst for Ethylene Trimerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial processes for producing 1-hexene through ethylene oligomerization, particularly using chromium compounds, are limited by low activity under high pressure and lack selectivity with transition metal compounds other than chromium.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel transition metal complex compounds that form olefin oligomerization catalysts, capable of catalyzing ethylene trimerization to produce 1-hexene with high selectivity and activity, even at lower pressures, by incorporating specific structural elements such as transition metal atoms of Group 3 to Group 10 and specific ligand arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chromium compounds are used for ethylene trimerization, then selectivity for 1-hexene is improved, but activity is reduced and high pressure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing chromium compounds with transition metal compounds from groups 3-10 (such as cobalt, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum) combined with specific ligands (beta-diketonates, carboxylates, phosphines, amines). This parameter change enables the catalyst to achieve both high selectivity for 1-hexene and high activity, eliminating the need for high pressure conditions while maintaining excellent trimerization performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If chromium compounds are used for ethylene trimerization, then selectivity for 1-hexene is improved, but operating pressure must be increased to 100 bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing chromium compounds with transition metal compounds from groups 3-10 (such as cobalt, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum) combined with specific ligands (beta-diketonates, carboxylates, phosphines, amines). This parameter change enables the catalyst to achieve both high selectivity for 1-hexene and high activity, eliminating the need for high pressure conditions while maintaining excellent trimerization performance.
3Quantity of substance
If transition metal compounds other than chromium are used, then cost is reduced, but selectivity for 1-hexene is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing chromium compounds with transition metal compounds from groups 3-10 (such as cobalt, iron, nickel, palladium, platinum) combined with specific ligands (beta-diketonates, carboxylates, phosphines, amines). This parameter change enables the catalyst to achieve both high selectivity for 1-hexene and high activity, eliminating the need for high pressure conditions while maintaining excellent trimerization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite catalyst systems by combining transition metal compounds with specific organic ligands (beta-diketonates, carboxylates, phosphines, amines). This composite approach allows the use of abundant and cost-effective transition metals while achieving chromium-level or superior selectivity through the synergistic interaction between the metal center and the carefully designed ligand environment.
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 catalysts demonstrate high activity and selectivity in producing 1-hexene, reducing production costs by operating at lower pressures and offering a more efficient alternative to traditional chromium-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
olefin oligomerization catalysts containing a transition metal complex compound with a specific structure show excellent activity and are suited for use in olefin oligomerization. In particular, the catalysts are capable of catalyzing the oligomerization of ethylene as a starting material to afford a trimer of ethylene, i.e., 1-hexene, with high selectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides transition metal complex compounds, high-activity olefin oligomerization catalysts containing the compounds, and olefin oligomerization processes using the catalysts. A transition metal complex compound [A] according to the invention is represented by Formula (I) or Formula (I') below. An olefin oligomerization catalyst includes the transition metal complex compound [A]. In an olefin oligomerization process of the invention, an olefin is oligomerized in the presence of the catalyst.