Issue 3, 2015

Liquid coordination complexes: a new class of Lewis acids as safer alternatives to BF3 in synthesis of polyalphaolefins

Abstract

Liquid coordination complexes (LCCs) are a new class of liquid Lewis acids, prepared by combining an excess of a metal halide (e.g. GaCl3) with a basic donor molecule (e.g. amides, amines or phosphines). LCCs were used to catalyse oligomerisation of 1-decene to polyalphaolefins (PAOs). Molecular weight distribution and physical properties of the produced oils were compliant with those required for low viscosity synthetic (Group IV) lubricant base oils. Kinematic viscosities at 100 °C of ca. 4 or 6 cSt were obtained, along with viscosity indexes above 120 and pour points below −57 °C. In industry, to achieve similar properties, BF3 gas is used as a catalyst. LCCs are proposed as a safer and economically attractive alternative to BF3 gas for the production of polyalphaolefins.

Graphical abstract: Liquid coordination complexes: a new class of Lewis acids as safer alternatives to BF3 in synthesis of polyalphaolefins

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
26 okt 2014
Accepted
14 yan 2015
First published
14 yan 2015

Green Chem., 2015,17, 1831-1841

Author version available

Liquid coordination complexes: a new class of Lewis acids as safer alternatives to BF3 in synthesis of polyalphaolefins

J. M. Hogg, F. Coleman, A. Ferrer-Ugalde, M. P. Atkins and M. Swadźba-Kwaśny, Green Chem., 2015, 17, 1831 DOI: 10.1039/C4GC02080D

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