PIKOS
Novel process windows for the process intensification of the Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis
The synthesis of hydroxy carbon acids by means of the Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis is today usually done with a batch reactor and requires reaction times in the range of several hours. Wthin the PIKOS project which is funded by the recently established DBU research cluster 'Novel Process Windows' it is to be demonstrated that the Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis can be run in completely new process regimes. In doing so the three technology fields of micro process engineering, ionic liquids and microwave radiation will be applied. By using micro process engineering it is expected that new process windows can be identified which will have a positive effect on the reaction. The work especially aims at a drastically reduced reaction time. Using microwaves as an alternative energy source is expected to contribute to a more efficient heating of the system. Moreover, the use of ionic liquids as carbonate carrier, coupling agent for microwaves or simply as solubiliser should remarkably improve the sustainability of the process. In addition, an analysis of the recyclisation of the ionic liquids and, thus, an improvement of the material balance is in the focus of this work. At the end of the project the development of a pilot plant for the realisation of carboxylation reactions via Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis is anticipated. This pilot plant is expected to be competitive to conventional process. It is planned to have this plant tested by the project partner Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH with an industry relevant carboxylation reaction within a field use. Besides the Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH the working group Ionic Liquids at the Institut für Technische Chemie und Umweltchemie of the Friedrich-Schiller university Jena is participating in this project. At IMM the project is headed by the mixing and fine chemistry department.
More information on the DBU research cluster
Contact: Ulrich Krtschil, Mixing and Fine Chemistry Department,
Phone: +49 6131/990 328
