Selective Bifunctional Catalyst and a Method of Preparation thereof
Technology Category/Market
Category-Â Chemicals, Catalysts, Solid acid catalyst
Applications- Pharmaceuticals, Dye and Pigment Industry, Manufacturing: Zirconium phosphate solid acid catalyst, Catalysis Research
Industry- Pharmaceuticals, Chemical Manufacturing, Environmental Remediation, Material Science.
Market- In 2023, the global chemical catalyst market size was USD 6481.8 million and it is expected to reach USD 9509.1 million by the end of 2029, with a CAGR of 5.6% during 2023-2029.
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Problem Statement
- Conventional synthesis of p-aminophenol (PAP) involves environmentally problematic processes, leading to challenges in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and photography.
- Zirconium-based catalysts have been proposed but suffer from water intolerance, sulfate ion release, and corrosion, requiring specialized equipment and increasing operational costs.
- Existing catalysts used for hydrogenation and rearrangement steps contribute to the formation of undesired by-products like aniline.
- There is therefore a need for a bifunctional catalyst that is anti-corrosive, exhibits high conversion rates, and facilitates a one-step hydrogenation and rearrangement of nitrobenzene to PAP.
Technology
The present invention relates to a selective bifunctional (M-ZrP) for selective liquid phase catalytic hydrogenation of reactants and a method for preparation.
- The M-ZrP catalyst (Fig. 1) includes 0.2 to 0.4 wt.% of a hydrogenation noble metal supported on zirconium phosphate. The method of preparation is disclosed in figure 2A.
- The M- ZrP catalyst exhibits an amorphous structure a surface area in the range of 4 – 5 m2/g.
- A single pot method of forming para-aminophenol (PAP) in a one-step reaction is disclosed in figure 2B.
- The method includes mixing nitrobenzene, the bifunctional catalyst and a phase transfer agent mixing (PTA). Fig. 3.
- The mixture is stirred to initiate the hydrogenenation and rearrangement reactions to obtain a mixture containing paraaminophenol (PAP).
- The catalyst demonstrates enhanced conversion of at least 90 % towards nitrobenzene and selectivity of at least 70 % towards PAP.
Key Features/Value Proposition
- Bifunctional Catalyst: A novel catalyst with combined hydrogenation and solid acid functionalities for efficient conversion of nitrobenzene.
- Enhanced Catalytic Activity: The catalyst exhibits high nitrobenzene conversion (≥90%) and selectivity towards para-aminophenol (PAP) (≥70%).
- Diverse Noble Metal Options: The catalyst utilizes hydrogenation noble metals such as platinum, palladium, ruthenium, or nickel, offering flexibility and broad applicability.
- One-Step Reaction: Enables straightforward formation of PAP using nitrobenzene, bifunctional catalyst, phase transfer agent (PTA), and water, simplifying the reaction process.
- Phase Transfer Agent: Utilization of N, N-dimethyldodecylamine as a phase transfer agent enhances catalytic performance.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact for Licensing
Research Lab
Prof. P. Selvam
NCCR & Department of Chemistry
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 1618
- IN 359054 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 4
Technology Validated in Laboratory