Although many fundamental chemicals have been produced in large volumes for decades, research continues on exploring new and innovative pathways to produce these “classic” chemicals. In particular, as companies capitalize on the availability of inexpensive shale gas feedstock, changes in technologies are driving realignments elsewhere in the chemical supply chain requiring innovative approaches to economically produce classic chemicals. <br/>First, we consider propylene, as the shift to cracking lighter gases via steam cracking has resulted in a tightening of propylene supply. Although this may be addressed via propane-dehydrogenation (PDH) technologies, current Pt- or Cr-based commercial PDH catalysts offer room for improvements in energy efficiency, selectivity, and environmental friendliness.  Toward this end, Dow has developed a new fluid-bed technology utilizing a Pt-promoted supported Ga catalyst to achieve high selectivity towards propylene. <br/>Second, we consider leveraging the abundance of ethylene via new routes to propionate intermediates.  In particular, the traditional route via alkene carbonylation typically uses homogeneous catalysts.  But solid catalysts offer a potentially significant new pathway to propionic acid via the hydroxycarbonylation of ethylene.  We discuss the synthesis, characterization, and performance of new catalyst systems toward this new approach for upgrading ethylene feedstock.

Untraveled roads to familiar destinations: exploring new pathways to produce classic chemicals

255th National Meeting (2018)

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