Patents by Inventor John Frederick Knifton
John Frederick Knifton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7538061Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Fe catalyst, optionally complexed with a ligand selected from a N-heterocycle, phosphine, or porphorine ligand, that provides a lower cost alternative for the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, a catalyst containing cobalt carbonyl: iron carbonyl with no ligand, or a catalyst containing a cobalt carbonyl: octaethylporphine iron acetate provide moderate yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis under mild conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Paul Richard Weider, Kevin Dale Allen, Joseph Broun Powell
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Patent number: 7276634Abstract: The present invention is an improvement upon the process for the production of 1,3-propanediol wherein an aqueous solution of 3-hydroxy propanal is formed, catalyst, if any, used in said formation is removed from the solution, sodium hydroxide is added to the solution to neutralize any acid therein such that the pH is at least about 5, the neutralized aqueous solution is subjected to hydrogenation to produce a crude 1,3-propanediol mixture which is distilled to produce 1,3-propanediol, water, and reactive heavy components. The improvement on this process comprises replacing the sodium hydroxide with a hydroxide selected from the group consisting of ammonium hydroxide, alkali metal hydroxides other than sodium hydroxide, and alkaline earth metal hydroxides to reduce the viscosity of the reactive heavy components.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Edward Lewis Nielsen, Glenn Charles Komplin
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Patent number: 7115540Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Joseph Broun Powell, Paul Richard Weider, John Frederick Knifton, Kevin Dale Allen, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Juan Pedro Arhancet
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Patent number: 6903044Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2?-bipyrimidine, 2,2?-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Timothy Williams
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Publication number: 20040176648Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Fe catalyst, optionally complexed with a ligand selected from a N-heterocycle, phosphine, or porphorine ligand, that provides a lower cost alternative for the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, a catalyst containing cobalt carbonyl: iron carbonyl with no ligand, or a catalyst containing a cobalt carbonyl: octaethylporphine iron acetate provide moderate yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis under mild conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Paul Richard Weider, Kevin Dale Allen, Joseph Broun Powell
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Patent number: 6753289Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh
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Patent number: 6750373Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Fe catalyst, optionally complexed with a ligand selected from a N-heterocycle, phosphine, or porphorine ligand, that provides a lower cost alternative for the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, a catalyst containing cobalt carbonyl: iron carbonyl with no ligand, or a catalyst containing a cobalt carbonyl: octaethylporphine iron acetate provide moderate yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis under mild conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell
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Publication number: 20040059165Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Joseph Broun Powell, Paul Richard Weider, John Frederick Knifton, Kevin Dale Allen, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Juan Pedro Arhancet
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Patent number: 6706656Abstract: The invention provides a process for an improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, the improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, and a one step process for preparing a 1,3-diol in the presence of such a catalyst. One process for preparing the hydroformylation catalyst involves: a) forming a complex (A) by contacting a ruthenium(0) compound with a ditertiary phosphine ligand; and b) forming a complex (B) by subjecting complex (A) to a redox reaction with a cobalt(0) carbonyl compound. This catalyst is used in a one step hydroformylation process for preparing a 1,3-diol, comprising the reaction of an oxirane with syngas at hydroformylation conditions in an inert solvent in the presence of the above hydroformylation catalyst where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via phase separation of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction liquor.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Paul Richard Weider, Talmadge Gail James, Joseph Broun Powell, Kevin Dale Allen, Timothy Scott Williams
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Patent number: 6660892Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Joseph Broun Powell, Paul Richard Weider, John Frederick Knifton, Kevin Dale Allen, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Juan Pedro Arhancet
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Publication number: 20030204118Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co-Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2′-bipyrimidine, 2,2′-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Timothy Williams
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Publication number: 20030166977Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Joseph Broun Powell, Paul Richard Weider, John Frederick Knifton, Kevin Dale Allen, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Juan Pedro Arhancet
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Publication number: 20030153796Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh
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Patent number: 6586643Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2′-bipyrimidine, 2,2′-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Timothy Williams
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Patent number: 6576802Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh
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Patent number: 6545190Abstract: Disclosed is a one step hydroformylation process for preparing a 1,3-diol, comprising the reaction of an oxirane with syngas at hydroformylation conditions in an inert solvent in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst comprising a ruthenium (+1)-phosphine bidentate: cobalt (−1) complex, wherein the ligated metal is ruthenium, under conditions which preferably upon completion of the oxirane/syngas reaction cause a phase separation of the reaction mixture into a solvent phase which is rich in catalyst and a second phase which is rich in the 1,3-diol, recycling the phase rich in catalyst directly to the hydroformylation reaction for further reaction with previously unreacted starting materials, thus permitting valuable hydroformylation catalyst to be recycled without degradation or exposure to downstream processing and recovering the 1,3-diol from the second phase rich in 1,3-diol.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Kevin Dale Allen, Joseph Broun Powell, Paul Richard Weider, John Frederick Knifton
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Publication number: 20030060668Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2′-bipyrimidine, 2,2′-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Timothy Williams
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Publication number: 20030055298Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: John Frederick Knifton, Talmadge Gail James, Kevin Dale Allen, Paul Richard Weider, Joseph Broun Powell, Lynn Henry Slaugh
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Publication number: 20030040647Abstract: Disclosed is a one step hydroformylation process for preparing a 1,3-diol, comprising the reaction of an oxirane with syngas at hydroformylation conditions in an inert solvent in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst comprising a ruthenium (+1)-phosphine bidentate:cobalt (−1) complex, wherein the ligated metal is ruthenium, under conditions which preferably upon completion of the oxirane/syngas reaction cause a phase separation of the reaction mixture into a solvent phase which is rich in catalyst and a second phase which is rich in the 1,3-diol, recycling the phase rich in catalyst directly to the hydroformylation reaction for further reaction with previously unreacted starting materials, thus permitting valuable hydroformylation catalyst to be recycled without degradation or exposure to downstream processing and recovering the 1,3-diol from the second phase rich in 1,3-diol.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Kevin Dale Allen, Joseph Broun Powell, Paul Richard Weider, John Frederick Knifton
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Patent number: 6518466Abstract: The invention provides a process for an improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, the improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, and a one step process for preparing a 1,3-diol in the presence of such a catalyst. One process for preparing the hydroformylation catalyst involves: a) forming a complex (A) by contacting a ruthenium(0) compound with a ditertiary phosphine ligand; and b) forming a complex (B) by subjecting complex (A) to a redox reaction with a cobalt(0) carbonyl compound. This catalyst is used in a one step hydroformylation process for preparing a 1,3-diol, comprising the reaction of an oxirane with syngas at hydroformylation conditions in an inert solvent in the presence of the above hydroformylation catalyst where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via phase separation of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction liquor.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Frederick Knifton, Lynn Henry Slaugh, Paul Richard Weider, Talmadge Gail James, Joseph Broun Powell, Kevin Dale Allen, Timothy Scott Williams