Concentration-induced structural diversity and catalytic activity of BF3/n-BuOH complexes for n-decene polymerization

Publication date: Available online 28 May 2019Source: Chinese Journal of Chemical EngineeringAuthor(s): Jun Wang, Hongpeng Li, Xi Chen, Weiguang Shi, Na Zhang, Fuquan Bai, Xiao-feng Wang, Sihan Wang, Xianming Xu, Libo WangAbstractThe BF3/n-BuOH complexes were investigated as active specie in catalyzing n-decene polymerization reaction. The structures of BF3/n-BuOH complexes were characterized not only by modern spectrum but also by calculation at theoretical level. The results confirmed that BF3/n-BuOH complexes changed from BF3•(n-BuOH)2 complexes to BF3•n-BuOH complexes with the mass fraction of BF3 increasing. These two complexes have different catalytic activity, but BF3•n-BuOH was superior. The highest n-decene conversion could reach 99% and the most excellent selectivity of n-decene trimer and tetramer could reach up to 80% yield by a series of controlled conditions. This work can help to understand the catalytic active specie of n-decene polymerization and provide support for industrialization of poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs).Graphical AbstractThe active species of BF3/n-BuOH complexes for n-decene polymerization was investigated by theory calculation and modern spectrum. The highest n-decene conversion and the most excellent selectivity of trimer and tetramer could be reached in up to 99% and 80%, respectively.

Source: Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering - May 29, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research