Evonik Oxeno, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Evonik specializing in C4 chemistry, and researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT), and Ruhr University Bochum have advanced a unique catalyst system that permits the use of the climate gas carbon dioxide (CO2 ) as a raw material for the chemical industry. This is anticipated to permit more sustainable manufacturing of main products such as fragrances and constructing blocks for plastics.
“Straightaway by using of CO2 as a feedstock is a milestone for sustainable chemistry on an commercial scale,” stated Prof. Dr. Robert Franke, Project Leader at Evonik Oxeno. “Our collaboration with LIKAT and Ruhr University Bochum shows how superb primary research blended with commercial expertise can lead to modern solutions for transforming the chemical industry.”
Carbonylation is a central procedure in chemical production, wherein olefins are transformed into esters or acids by using of carbon monoxide. These substances are important components of many everyday products. The method yields both basic chemicals– consisting of methyl methacrylate, the precursor for acrylic glass – and speciality chemicals just like the fragrance valeric acid methyl ester. The lately developed bimetallic catalyst system replaces toxic carbon monoxide with climate-friendly carbon dioxide and green hydrogen. In the presence of the transition metals iridium and palladium, a long with a proven industrial phosphine ligand, olefins are directly transformed into esters. The system suggests high selectivity for linear products, which can be mainly valued in industrial applications.
“This catalyst systems a tremendous example of how focused research can make a contribution to the defossilisation of the chemical industry. CO2 is no longer seen as waste, but as a treasured useful resource,” stated Dr. Ralf Jackstell, Head of Research Group at LIKAT.
