Abstract:
A process for selective oxidation of dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl(s) to form methyl-1,1′-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s), which can be esterified to form plasticizers, comprising contacting a solution of dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl(s) in acetic acid in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and air under time and temperature conditions sufficient to oxidize the dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl(s) into one or more methyl-1,1′-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s) products, conducting at least one of (i) adding an antisolvent, or (ii) optimizing a total conversion of dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl(s) by oxidation based upon a molar ratio of dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl isomers, or (iii) precipitating the methyl-1,1′-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s) products by lowering the temperature, or (iv) decreasing the oxidation reaction temperature to enhance conversion of aldehydes over methyl functional groups, so as to limit over-oxidation of the dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl(s), wherein the oxidation reaction is conducted in the absence of bromide-containing catalysts.
Abstract:
In a process for producing one or more 3,3′-, 3,4′- and 4,4′-dimethyl biphenyl isomers, a feed comprising toluene is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a hydroalkylation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a hydroalkylation reaction product comprising (methylcyclohexyl)toluenes. At least part of the hydroalkylation reaction product is dehydrogenated in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a dehydrogenation reaction product comprising a mixture of dimethyl biphenyl isomers. The dehydrogenation reaction product is then separated into at least a first stream containing one or more 3,3′-, 3,4′- and 4,4′-dimethyl biphenyl isomers and at least one second stream comprising one or more 2,X′-dimethyl biphenyl isomers (where X is 2, 3, or 4). The 3,3′-, 3,4′- and 4,4′-dimethyl biphenyl isomers are then separated utilizing selective adsorption.
Abstract:
A process for separating dimethyl biphenyl (DMBP) isomers, including contacting a mixture of 3,3′-DMBP, 3,4′-DMBP and 4,4′-DMBP in a first solvent with a 12-member ring zeolite exchanged with potassium or barium, or combinations thereof, and adsorbing the 3,3′-DMBP onto the 12-member ring zeolite, such as by passing the mixture through at least one packed bed of the potassium and/or barium exchanged 12-member ring zeolite.
Abstract:
In a process for separating one or more 3,3′-, 3,4′- and 4,4′-dimethyl biphenyl isomers, a feed comprising the isomers is contacted with a zeolite adsorbent which contains one or more metal cations in the +1 or +2 oxidation states. Separation processes for each of the 3,3′-, 3,4′- and 4,4′-dimethyl biphenyl isomers is provided.
Abstract:
A process for selective oxidation of dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl to form methyl-1,1′-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s), comprising contacting a solution of dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl in acetic acid solvent in the presence of a Co(II) acetate catalyst and air, and optionally adding a co-solvent, or adding sodium or potassium acetate, and oxidizing the dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl under time and temperature conditions sufficient to form one or more methyl-1,1′-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s). The mono-carboxylic acids are advantageously isolated and esterified to form biphenyl mono-esters for use as plasticizers.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for modifying hydrogenation catalysts having silica supports (or other non-alumina supports) with additional alumina, and using such catalysts to achieve unexpectedly superior hydrogenation of feedstocks. The modified hydrogenation catalysts can have a relatively low cracking activity while providing an increased activity for hydrogenation.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for modifying hydrogenation catalysts having silica supports (or other non-alumina supports) with additional alumina, and using such catalysts to achieve unexpectedly superior hydrogenation of feedstocks. The modified hydrogenation catalysts can have a relatively low cracking activity while providing an increased activity for hydrogenation.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for modifying hydrogenation catalysts having silica supports (or other non-alumina supports) with additional alumina, and using such catalysts to achieve unexpectedly superior hydrogenation of feedstocks. The modified hydrogenation catalysts can have a relatively low cracking activity while providing an increased activity for hydrogenation.