Method for Electrodicarboxylating at Least One Alkene with Carbon Dioxide Co2 in the Presence of Hydrogen H2

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention presents a method for electrochemically adding two carboxyl groups to alkenes (especially dienes) using carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) as reactants. The process is performed in a high-pressure electrochemical reactor, using specifically arranged electrodes (cathode and anode). Uniquely, hydrogen is oxidized at the anode, removing the need for sacrificial metal electrodes and thereby greatly simplifying the purification and process economics. The main output is unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, which can be further processed to valuable products like adipic acid for the production of nylon (polyamide 6.6).

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

• Production of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids from simple alkenes/dienes and CO2,
• Environmentally friendlier synthesis of adipic acid as a precursor to nylon, replacing fossil-based methods,
• Reduction of process steps and contaminants in the chemical industry by avoiding sacrificial electrode materials like aluminum,
• Potential use in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals,
• Creation of high-purity dicarboxylic acids for polymer and resin manufacturing,
• Integration into green chemistry processes in the plastics, textile, and materials industries.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Eliminates the use of sacrificial anodes and metals like aluminum, reducing costs and metal salt waste,
• Simplifies separation and purification processes for the product, leading to greater efficiency,
• Improves selectivity for dicarboxylic acids while minimizing undesirable byproducts,
• Enables the use of CO2 as a chemical feedstock, supporting sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,
• Operates under well-controlled electrochemical conditions, enhancing overall reaction efficiencies,
• Can be tailored to various alkene/diene feedstocks for flexible deployment,
• Improved Faradaic efficiency, especially when employing specific mediators and electrode arrangements.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for the electro-decarboxylation of at least one diene with carbon dioxide CO2 in the presence of hydrogen H2, forming at least one unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, wherein the reaction is carried out in a reactor comprising at least one cathode as the working electrode for the cathodic activation of CO2, at least one anode as the counter-electrode for the anodic oxidation of H2, with a volumetric ratio of hydrogen H2 to carbon dioxide CO2 between 1:1 and 1:3, a total pressure pg in the reactor between 2 and 4 MPa, particularly preferably between 3 and 4 MPa, and an average current density j between 5 and 15 mA/cm2, particularly preferably between 10 and 12.5 mA/cm2.