CATALYSTS
Figure 4 - Ethenolysis of biodiesel using XiMo ’ s catalyst
a scalable manufacturing process to produce intermediates for XiMo catalysts on hundreds of kilogram scales . Academia previously deemed this to be nearly impossible . This was achieved using 50 , 100 , 250 and 630L glass-lined De Dietrich reactors , and 0.4 , 0.15 , and 0.09 m ² stainless steel filter dryers , operating under highly controlled conditions , maintaining oxygen levels below 5 ppm to ensure optimal production outcomes .
The new ethenolysis plant of XiMo ’ s parent company Verbio in Bitterfeld , Germany , will use XiMo ’ s catalyst systems to convert biodiesel made from rapeseed oil into green molecules , providing renewable raw materials for speciality biobased chemicals .
Scheduled to be commissioned in 2026 , this plant aims to produce 60,000 tonnes / year , including 32,000 tonnes / year of methyl 9-decenoate ( 9-DAME ) and 17,000 tonnes / year of 1-decene ( Figure 4 ). These are used in a wide range of applications , including flavours and fragrances , cleaning agents , high-performance lubricants and polymers .
In parallel , XiMo is constructing the largest production plants for metathesis catalysts based on molybdenum , tungsten and ruthenium on a multi-tonne scale . These will not only support Verbio ’ s internal needs for the ethenolysis process but also enable external customers who use metathesis as a tool to bring novel molecules to the market or who are seeking an alternative to expensive processes .
A sustainable future
Olefin metathesis stands as a pivotal reaction in the chemical industry . With continued advancements in catalyst development and industrial implementation , the potential for new , improved and commercially viable processes across various sectors remains vast .
Verbio ’ s construction of the world ’ s first large-scale ethenolysis plant based on rapeseed methyl
Dr Emmanuel Robé
SALES ENGINEER
XIMO HUNGARY k + 36 20 4404462 J emmanuel . robe @ ximo-inc . com j www . ximo-inc . com ester marks a significant advance in the chemical industry ’ s transition to renewable raw materials . The biobased speciality chemicals produced will enable chemical processing companies to adopt sustainable practices , contributing to CO 2 reduction and de-fossilisation efforts . These strategic initiatives reflect the needed commitment to addressing climate challenges and promoting ecological production . ●
30 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981