Process makes [alpha]-olefins from carboxylic acids
A group of chemical researchers has developed a new process that makes it possible to synthesize an important class of petrochemicals from renewable resources. The technique efficiently converts carboxylic acids to 1-alkenes ([alpha]-olefins) having one less carbon atom. Only minute quantities of by-products are generated, much less than the amounts typically obtained with current processes. The process also offers a green alternative to existing methods for making [alpha]-olefins because it can produce them from fatty-acids (carboxylic acids from natural sources) instead of from petroleum. In the reaction, an equimolar mixture of a carboxylic acid and acetic anhydride is heated to 250 C in the presence of a palladium or rhodium catalyst. This causes the carboxylic acid to undergo decarbonylation and dehydration to a 1-alkene having one less carbon atom. Catalyst lifetimes are very long, Miller says, and the spent catalyst can be recovered for reuse.
- OSTI ID:
- 6054583
- Journal Information:
- Chemical and Engineering News; (United States), Journal Name: Chemical and Engineering News; (United States) Vol. 71:2; ISSN 0009-2347; ISSN CENEAR
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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