Tungsten Fluorine Bond Catalyst for Olefin Metathesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing propylene, such as steam cracking and other processes, do not yield sufficient quantities to meet global demand, and existing olefin metathesis catalysts do not effectively utilize tungsten-fluorine bonds, which have unique reactivity properties.
Innovation Solution
A process using a catalyst with a tungsten compound containing a tungsten-fluorine bond dispersed on a refractory oxide support, specifically designed for olefin metathesis, to convert ethylene and butylene into propylene, operating at controlled temperatures and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If steam cracking or pyrolysis of hydrocarbon feedstocks is used to produce propylene, then propylene can be produced as a by-product, but the yield is insufficient to meet global demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the catalytic system by introducing tungsten fluorides with specific W-F bond characteristics. This alters the reaction pathway and mechanism to favor propylene production, transforming the process from a by-product generation system to a targeted propylene synthesis system with significantly improved yield and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite catalytic materials combining tungsten fluorides with specific supports or modifiers. This composite structure leverages the unique properties of W-F bonds while the support material provides structural stability and additional catalytic functionality, achieving high propylene yield and production efficiency simultaneously
2Reliability
If existing olefin metathesis catalysts are used, then the process can operate, but they do not effectively utilize tungsten-fluorine bonds and achieve lower conversion and selectivity rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the catalyst composition by incorporating tungsten fluorides with specific W-F bond configurations. This parameter change in catalyst chemistry enables effective utilization of the unique reactivity properties of fluorine, dramatically improving both the reliability and productivity of the olefin metathesis process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts and adapts the concept of using tungsten-based catalysts from existing literature (such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,976) but copies and enhances it by specifically incorporating fluorine ligands. This creates an improved version of existing catalyst technology that fully exploits the unique properties of tungsten-fluorine bonds for superior catalytic performance
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 increases propylene yield and selectivity, achieving higher conversion and selectivity rates compared to traditional catalysts, while avoiding the use of niobium promoters, thus enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a process using a catalyst with a tungsten compound containing a tungsten-fluorine bond dispersed on a refractory oxide support, specifically designed for olefin metathesis, to convert ethylene and butylene into propylene
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the metathesis of olefins has been developed. The process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock with a catalyst at metathesis conditions. The catalyst comprises a tungsten compound, which contains at least one tungsten-fluoro bond, dispersed or grafted onto a support. A specific example of the catalyst is the compound WOF(CH2CMe3)3 grafted onto a silica support. The feedstock comprises a first and a second olefin wherein the second olefin has a carbon number of at least two greater than the first olefin and the product is an olefin with a carbon number intermediate between the first and second olefin. Specifically the process produces propylene from ethylene and butylene.