Strong solid acid on the basis of a polyoxometalate

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This invention discloses a new type of strong solid acid based on polyoxometalate clusters, where metal atoms in the anionic structure are partially in a lower oxidation state than the maximum possible. Through a two-step synthesis process, special hydrophobic or amphiphilic cations are used to stabilize and render the compound water-insoluble before some are replaced with protons, resulting in a solid acid with a high number of catalytically active sites. The solid acids have large, stable, porous structures and are less corrosive and toxic compared to conventional acids, making them ideal as reusable catalysts.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Catalysts in petrochemical processes such as cracking and hydrolysis reactions.
• Catalysis in the synthesis of organic compounds (e.g., ester formation or amination reactions).
• Separation and purification processes of chemical mixtures based on molecular size or hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity.
• Industrial applications requiring strong solid acids stable in aqueous or harsh environments.
• Replacement of conventional liquid acids to reduce corrosion and toxicity risks in manufacturing.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Substantial increase in the number of catalytically active sites per unit, enhancing efficiency.
• High structural stability and water-insolubility, allowing use in aqueous or wet conditions.
• Reduced toxicity and corrosion compared to conventional liquid or gaseous acids.
• Porous structure allows for controlled, selective catalysis and potential molecular sieving.
• The catalyst can be easily separated and reused, supporting sustainable industrial processes.
• Applicable to large, stable clusters not previously accessible with older solid acid technologies.

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Patent Abstract

In the context of the invention, a solid acid was developed. This comprises an anionic component consisting of a plurality of oxyanions of at least one metal and a cationic component that is partially substituted by protons. According to the invention, the metal of the anionic component is present at least partially in a lower oxidation state than the highest oxidation state. It was recognized that the anionic component can in this way be equipped with particularly many negative charges. In comparison to the known solid acids, a significantly larger number of cationic units per anionic unit can now be substituted by protons, so that the same amount of acid has significantly more catalytically active centers (sites). The process for producing a solid acid from a water-soluble polyoxometalate salt with an anionic component and a cationic component is according to the invention two-stage. First, the cationic component of the salt is at least partially replaced by larger, hydrophobic or amphiphilic cationic units. Subsequently, the hydrophobic or amphiphilic cationic units are partially substituted by protons. Through the first substitution of the cationic component, the polyoxometalate is simultaneously stabilized and made water-insoluble. This creates the prerequisite for subsequently replacing cationic units by protons without the structure collapsing.