REGENERABLE SOLVENT MIXTURES FOR ACID-GAS SEPARATION
20230241547 · 2023-08-03
Inventors
Cpc classification
B01D2252/30
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D53/1493
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D53/485
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D53/507
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D2252/504
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Y02C20/40
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
B01D2257/404
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B01D53/1425
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
A solvent system for the removal of acid gases from mixed gas streams is provided. Also provided is a process for removing acid gases from mixed gas streams using the disclosed solvent systems. The solvent systems may be utilized within a gas processing system.
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A solvent system consisting of: a neat nucleophilic amine with a structure such that it reacts with an acidic gas so as to form an amine carbamate salt, Zwitterionic sulfamic acid, sulfate salt, or mixture thereof.
33. The solvent system of claim 32, wherein the nucleophilic amine is hydrophobic.
33. The solvent system of claim 32, wherein the nucleophilic amine is 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine.
34. The solvent system of claim 32, wherein the solvent system is substantially immiscible with water.
35. The solvent system of claim 32, wherein the solvent system has a solubility with water of less than about 20 g of solvent per 100 mL of water.
36. The solvent system of claim 32, wherein the acidic gas comprises CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, COS, CS.sub.2, NOx, or a combination thereof.
37. The solvent system of claim 32, wherein the acidic gas comprises CO.sub.2 or SO.sub.2.
38. A process for the removal of acid gas from a gas stream, comprising contacting an acid gas-containing gas stream with the solvent system of claim 32.
39. The process of claim 38, further comprising withdrawing an acid gas-rich solvent and an acid gas-lean gas stream.
40. The process of claim 39, further comprising regenerating the acid gas-rich solvent by applying heat to form a regenerated solvent comprising a lower content of acid gas than present in the acid gas-rich solvent.
41. The process of claim 40, wherein the applied heat is derived from a source selected from the group consisting of low-pressure steam, hot flue gas, or a combination thereof.
42. The process of claim 38, wherein the gas-containing stream is a mixed gas stream comprising CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, COS, CS.sub.2, NOx, or a combination thereof.
43. The process of claim 38, wherein the gas-containing stream comprises an acidic gas comprising CO.sub.2 or SO.sub.2 or a combination thereof.
44. The process of claim 38, wherein the solvent system tolerates water up to or equal to about 20% water by volume with no degradation of solvent performance.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0023] In one aspect of the present invention is provided a liquid solvent system. The solvent system may be used for the separation of acidic gases from gas mixtures. The term “acid gas” or “acidic gas” is intended to refer to any gas component that can result in formation of an acid when mixed with water. Non-limiting examples of acid gases encompassed by the present invention include CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, COS, CS.sub.2 and NOx. For simplicity, the invention is described below in relation specifically to CO.sub.2 and SO.sub.2. It is understood, however, that the present invention encompasses methods and systems for removal of any acid gas component from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, the solvent system is regenerable in that the acidic gases can be released from the solvent, and the solvent can be reused to separate additional acidic gases from further gas mixtures. In particular embodiments, the solvent system is regenerable at temperatures lower than those typically required for solvents used for such purposes.
[0024] Generally, the solvent systems described herein comprise some combination of one or more of the following classes of reagents: nitrogenous bases (including nucleophilic amines and non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases); non-aqueous liquids; protic, non-aqueous liquids; diluents; and/or ionic liquids. In certain aspects, the solvent systems of the invention comprise a mixture of components from two or more of these classes. In certain aspects, the solvent systems of the invention consist of one or more components from a single class of these reagents. These classes of reagents are described generally herein. The various types of solvent systems intended to be encompassed by the present invention and particularly preferred reagents for each will be separately described below.
[0025] Generally, nitrogenous base components include nucleophilic amines and non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases. A nitrogenous base component (i.e., a nucleophilic amine and/or non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base), is a nitrogenous base that reacts according to one or more of the mechanisms provided herein. For example, the nitrogenous base may react with CO.sub.2 and/or with other components of the solvent system according to one of the embodiments provided herein. In some embodiments, the nitrogenous base component(s) (which may be a nucleophilic amine and/or non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base) can have a pKa of about 8 to about 15, about 8 to about 14, about 8 to about 13, about 8 to about 12, about 8 to about 11, or about 8 to about 10. In certain embodiments, the nitrogenous base component has a pKa less than about 11. In other embodiments, the nitrogenous base can have a pKa of between about 12 and about 15, about 12 to about 14, or about 13 to about 15, such as about 12, about 13, about 14, or about 15.
[0026] In the solvent systems described herein, the nitrogenous base component (or components) of the solvent systems, where present, is advantageously selected such that it has low miscibility with water. In preferred embodiments, the nitrogenous base has higher miscibility with the optional one or more other components of the solvent system than with water. In some embodiments, the nitrogenous base component or components have high solubility in the optional one or more other components of the solvent system.
[0027] A nucleophilic amine is an amine having a reactive nitrogen center which bonds with non-hydrogen nuclei under relevant process time-scales and typical process conditions relevant to the gas mixture subjected to treatment therewith. Nucleophilic amines include, but are not limited to, primary amines, secondary amines, diamines, triamines, tetraamines, pentamines, cyclic amines, cyclic diamines, amine oligomers, polyamines, alcoholamines, and the like.
[0028] A non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base is a nitrogenous base (including but not limited to, an amine) that acts as a Bronsted base, forming bonds with one or more hydrogen nuclei (protons) under relevant process time-scale and typical process conditions relevant to the gas mixture subjected to treatment therewith to give a positively charged nitrogen center. Non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases include tertiary amines, guanidines, and amidines and/or analogues thereof.
[0029] In certain specific embodiments, various exemplary nitrogenous bases useful as solvent system components may be selected from the group consisting of 1,4-diazabicyclo-undec-7-ene (“DBU”); 1,4-diazabicyclo-2,2,2-octane; piperazine (“PZ”); triethylamine (“TEA”); 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (“TMG”); 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene; monoethanolamine (“MEA”); diethylamine (“DEA”); ethylenediamine (“EDA”); 1,3-diamino propane; 1,4-diaminobutane; hexamethylenediamine; 1,7-diaminoheptane; diethanolamine; diisopropylamine (“DIPA”); 4-aminopyridine; pentylamine; hexylamine; heptylamine; octylamine; nonylamine; decylamine; tert-octylamine; dioctylamine; dihexylamine; 2-ethyl-1-hexylamine; 2-fluorophenethylamine; 3-fluorophenethylamine; 3,5-difluorobenzylamine; 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine; 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine; imidazole; benzimidazole; N-methyl imidazole; 1-trifluoroacetylimidazole; 1,2,3-triazole; 1,2,4-triazole; and mixtures thereof. Still other nitrogenous bases that may be used according to the present invention include, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0058549 to Jessop et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0030] A non-aqueous liquid is understood to be a liquid other than water. In certain situations, the non-aqueous liquid is a protic non-aqueous liquid, which is a liquid with an ionizable hydrogen which readily dissociates in the presence of a non-nucleophilic amine. As such, in some embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid (e.g., protic non-aqueous liquid) is a “relatively acidic component,” understood to mean a material having an acidity that is greater than the acidity of water, preferably substantially greater than the acidity of water. For example, in some embodiments, a non-aqueous liquid (e.g., a protic non-aqueous liquid) that is a relatively acidic component can have a pKa of less than about 15, less than about 14, less than about 13, less than about 12, less than about 11, or less than about 10. In some embodiments, the relatively acidic component has a pKa of about 8 to about 15, 9 to about 15, about 10 to about 15, about 11 to about 15, about 12 to about 15, about 13 to about 15, about 8 to about 14, about 8 to about 13, about 8 to about 12, or about 8 to about 11, about 9 to about 14, about 9 to about 13, about 9 to about 12, about 9 to about 11, about 10 to about 12, about 10 to about 13, about 10 to about 14, about 11 to about 13, or about 11 to about 14. Exemplary classes of relatively acidic components that may be used (as non-aqueous liquids or protic non-aqueous liquids) according to certain embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to the following: fluorinated alcohols; optionally substituted phenols; and nitrogen heterocycles (e.g., pyrazoles and imidazoles). Particularly preferred are relatively acidic components selected from fluorinated alcohols and optionally substituted phenols.
[0031] In some embodiments, the solvent systems comprise one or more diluents. A diluent is understood to be a solvent component that does not participate in reaction with the other components in the solvent system to any significant extent. The types of substances that can serve as diluents in such embodiments include certain non-aqueous liquids (including protic, non-aqueous liquids), as described above. Whether a non-aqueous liquid (including a protic, non-aqueous liquid) can serve as a diluent depends upon the additional component(s) of the solvent system wherein it is used. Non-aqueous liquids (including protic, non-aqueous liquids) are considered to be reactive components of the solvent systems described herein unless otherwise stated. Diluents may, in some embodiments, be relatively acidic components. Exemplary classes of relatively acidic components that may be used as diluents according to certain embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to the following: fluorinated alcohols; optionally substituted phenols; and nitrogen heterocycles (e.g., pyrazoles and imidazoles).
[0032] In some embodiments, a diluent can have a pKa of less than about 15, less than about 14, less than about 13, less than about 12, less than about 11, or less than about 10. In some embodiments, the diluent has a pKa of the alcohol component is about 6 to about 15, about 7 to about 15, about 8 to about 15, about 9 to about 15, about 6 to about 14, about 7 to about 14, about 8 to about 13, about 9 to about 13, about 6 to about 12, about 7 to about 12, about 8 to about 12, about 9 to about 12, about 6 to about 11, about 7 to about 11, about 8 to about 11, about 9 to about 11, about 6 to about 10, about 7 to about 10, or about 8 to about 10. In other embodiments, a non-aqueous liquid acting as a diluent is not a relatively acidic component, and does not have a pKa that falls within the ranges noted above. For example, the diluent may, in certain embodiments, have a pKa greater than about 15.
[0033] In some embodiments, the diluent is preferably a non-aqueous diluent. In certain embodiments, the diluent is selected such that it has low miscibility with water. For example, in some embodiments, the diluent has a solubility of less than or equal to about 10 g/100 mL in water at 25° C. (i.e., 10 g of solvent per 100 mL of water) or about 20 g/100 mL in water at 25° C. In other embodiments, the diluent has a solubility in water of less than or equal to about 0.01 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 0.1 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 0.5 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 1 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 1.5 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 2 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 2.5 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 3 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 4 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 5 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 6 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 7 g/100 mL, less than or equal to about 8 g/100 mL, or less than or equal to about 9 g/100 mL in water at 25° C. In some embodiments, the diluent is completely immiscible with water. Using diluents with low water solubility may result in solvent systems that display one or more of the following attributes: they may require less energy for regeneration; may have high CO.sub.2 loading capacities; may be able to tolerate water in the gas stream; and/or may be able to be separated from water without a large energy penalty.
[0034] Certain specific solvent systems are illustrated in
[0035] The solvent systems described herein may, as noted above, be used for the removal of one or more acidic gases from a gas stream. In some embodiments, the solvent systems of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for capturing CO.sub.2 from a gas stream. The gas stream may be a mixed gas stream, having one or more other components in addition to CO.sub.2. When a solution comprising a solvent system of the present invention is purged with a gas mixture containing CO.sub.2, one or more components of the solvent system undergo a chemical reaction with CO.sub.2, binding the CO.sub.2 in the solution. In some embodiments, the solvent systems of the present invention have high CO.sub.2 loadings. For example, the solvent systems may be useful for capturing or removing greater than about 0.05 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.1 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.2 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.3 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.4 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.5 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.6 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.7 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.8 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, greater than about 0.9 moles CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base, or greater than about 1 mole CO.sub.2 per mole of nitrogenous base.
[0036] In some embodiments, any of the solvent systems described herein is tolerant to the presence of water. In certain embodiments, the solvent system tolerates water up to or equal to about 30% water by volume. For example, in some embodiments, the solvent system tolerates up to or equal to about 25% water by volume, up to or equal to about 20%, up to or equal to about 15%, up to or equal to about 10%, up to or equal to about 5%, up to or equal to about 2%, or up to or equal to about 1% water by volume. In some embodiments, tolerance to the presence of water means that there is little to no degradation of the solvent performance up to the indicated volume of water. In some embodiments, the solvent system maintains at or near its initial capacity for CO.sub.2 loading up to the indicated volume of water.
[0037] In some embodiments, the solvent system may further comprise one or more additional components. The additional components may be added, for example, to increase the solubility of the captured CO.sub.2 product in the solvent system, and thus avoid the formation of precipitates. In other embodiments, however, solids formation may be desirable, and such formation may be enhanced by altering the concentration of one or more solvent system components.
[0038] In preferred embodiments, the CO.sub.2 captured using the solvent system of the present invention may be released to regenerate the solvent system for reuse. It is preferred that the solvent system is regenerable (or reaction with the CO.sub.2 is reversible) under mild conditions (e.g., at a low temperature). In some embodiments, the release of CO.sub.2 and corresponding regeneration of the solvent system is effectuated by heating the solution. When the solution containing bound CO.sub.2 is heated, the chemical reaction is reversed and the CO.sub.2 is released, producing a concentrated CO.sub.2 stream.
[0039] In some embodiments, the present application relates to a solvent system and process for the removal of CO.sub.2 from a gas stream. The present invention applies to any gas stream containing CO.sub.2. For example, in particular embodiments, the invention relates to a process for the removal of CO.sub.2 from fossil fuel combustion flue gas, a natural gas mixture, or a mixture of respiration gases from closed environments containing CO.sub.2. The process involves passing the mixed gas stream through one of the solvent systems described herein. In some embodiments, the present invention further relates to the regeneration of the solvent system, which releases the CO.sub.2. Several techniques can be employed to regenerate the solvent. These include, but are not limited to, thermal swing, partial pressure swing, by flashing, stripping, applying a vacuum, or combinations of, pH swing, or combinations of. In some embodiments, regeneration of the solvent system involves heating the solvent system at a temperature sufficient to release the CO.sub.2. In some embodiments, the process involves heating the solvent system at a temperature at or below about 200° C., for example, at or below about 185° C., at or below about 150° C., or at or below about 125° C. In preferred embodiments, the process involves heating the solvent system at a temperature at or below about 100° C., for example, at a temperature at or below about 95° C., at or below about 90° C., at or below about 85° C., at or below about 80° C., at or below about 75° C., or at or below about 70° C. In some embodiments, the CO.sub.2 may be released at ambient temperature. In certain embodiments, the CO.sub.2 is captured in a non-aqueous phase under conditions in which water accumulates as a separate, lower density phase. This phase can be sent to the regenerator with the rich, non-aqueous phase to be regenerated at a lower temperature than the corresponding rich aqueous phase alone. This can be followed by phase separation from the lean, regenerated solvent before being sent back to the absorber.
[0040] In certain embodiments, at or about 100% of the CO.sub.2 is removed from the CO.sub.2-rich solvent system. However, in other embodiments, less than 100% of the CO.sub.2 is removed from the CO.sub.2-rich solvent system. In preferred embodiments, about 50 to 100% of the captured CO.sub.2 is removed from the CO.sub.2-rich solvent system, preferably about 75% to 100%, about 80% to 100%, about 90% to 100%, about 95% to about 100%, or about 98% to 100%. For example, in some embodiments, at least about 98%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, or 50% of the captured CO.sub.2 is removed from the CO.sub.2-rich solvent system.
[0041] In some embodiments, the removal of CO.sub.2 from gas mixtures containing H.sub.2O in addition to CO.sub.2 can lead to the accumulation of H.sub.2O in the solvent system, either as a single phase or biphase solution, depending upon the reaction conditions. As noted above, the presence of H.sub.2O in the solvent mixture may be disadvantageous because of an undesirable side reaction, and more energy will be required for solvent regeneration due to the necessity of removing water from the solvent. Thus, the accumulation of H.sub.2O in the solvent system may increase the regeneration energy demand, decreasing the efficiency of the regeneration system.
[0042] In some embodiments, the process of the present invention provides a method by which the detrimental effects of H.sub.2O accumulation in the solvent system may be avoided. For example, the detrimental effect of H.sub.2O accumulation on the solvent system regeneration energy demand may be minimized, by providing a process by which the CO.sub.2 is captured within the solvent system at a temperature greater than the H.sub.2O saturation temperature of the gas mixture. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the detrimental effect of H.sub.2O accumulation on the solvent system regeneration energy demand may be minimized by providing a process by which the H.sub.2O accumulates as a separate, aqueous phase within the solvent system. This process involves the use of a solvent system that exhibits little or no solubility in water. In such a system, water that collects is present as a separate phase. The separate, aqueous phase may be decanted or centrifuged off by mechanical, rather than thermal, processes, minimizing the energy required to maintain an efficient CO.sub.2 removal system. For example, as the hydrocarbon chain of aliphatic alcohols is increased in length, the solubility of the alcohol in water decreases. This is also true for fluorinated alcohols. For example, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol (“OFP”) is substantially immiscible with water. Thus, certain solvent systems described herein comprising appropriate components may form a biphasic liquid solution when combined with water. In such solvent systems, water can be separated from the solvent system without distillation or the use of a membrane by decanting or centrifugation of the aqueous layer from the fluorinated phase. In some embodiments, after removal of the H.sub.2O, the CO.sub.2-rich solvent system can be regenerated at a low temperature with the addition of low boiling diluents to satisfy the partial pressure requirements. The solvent system could thus avoid the added energy penalty associated with the distillation of water. By providing a non-aqueous CO.sub.2 absorbing solvent system with low water solubility, the solvent system has lower energy demands and milder regeneration conditions than those of aqueous or high-water affinity CO.sub.2 solvent systems.
[0043] In some embodiments, a system for the removal of CO.sub.2 from a gas stream is provided. A schematic of an exemplary system of the present invention is depicted in
[0044] Within the absorber, the gas stream is brought into fluid contact with and passed through a solvent system as described herein. The solvent system reacts with the CO.sub.2 present in the gas stream, capturing it from the remaining components of the gas, and the resulting CO.sub.2-free gas stream is released from the absorber through an outlet. The solvent system continues to react with entering CO.sub.2 as the mixed gas stream is passed through, until it becomes “rich” with CO.sub.2. The absorber is optionally connected to one or more components. For example, the absorber is preferably configured with a means for routing solvent to a unit wherein water may be decanted, centrifuged, or otherwise removed from the system.
[0045] At any stage in the process of CO.sub.2 capture, the solvent system may be regenerated. The system therefore includes an optional regeneration system 14 to release the captured CO.sub.2 via a separate CO.sub.2 gas stream and thus regenerate the solvent system. The regeneration system is configured to receive a feed of “rich” solvent from absorber and to return regenerated solvent to the absorber once CO.sub.2 has been separated from the “rich” solvent. The regeneration system may simply comprise a chamber with a heating unit to heat the solvent system at a temperature sufficient to release the gas, along with a release valve to allow the CO.sub.2 to be removed from the regeneration system. It may also be a distillation column and have essentially the same design as described above for the absorption column. The regenerator may be optionally connected to one or more components. For example, the regenerator is preferably configured with a means for routing solvent to a unit wherein water may be decanted, centrifuged, or otherwise removed from the system.
[0046] The released CO.sub.2 can be separated/withdrawn from the system and output to storage or for other predetermined uses. The regenerated solvent system is again ready to absorb CO.sub.2 from a gas stream, and may be directed back into the absorber.
[0047] I. Ionic Liquids Comprising a Nucleophilic Amine and a Protic, Non-Aqueous Liquid
[0048] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a solvent system comprising an ionic liquid is provided, wherein the ionic liquid is prepared by combining one or more nucleophilic amines and one or more protic non-aqueous liquids. An ionic liquid solvent system as described in this section is a system wherein ions (cations and anions) are present in solution. The components generally have appropriate pKa values so as to form an ionic liquid in which the nucleophilic amine is the cation. In certain embodiments, a solvent system comprising an ionic liquid at ambient temperature (e.g., between about 20° C. and about 25° C.) is provided. Advantageously, ionic liquid solvent systems as described in this section can react with an acidic gas so as to form an ionic solution comprising: 1) a carbamate salt, Zwitterionic sulfamic acid, sulfate salt, or a combination thereof; and 2) a protonated, weak acid.
[0049] Nucleophilic amines that can be used to form certain exemplary ionic liquid solvent systems of this type can be primary and/or secondary amines which have reactive nitrogen centers. A primary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NH.sub.2R, where R can be a carbon-containing group, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. A secondary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NHR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, or R.sub.2 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0050] In certain embodiments, primary or secondary amines may be selected from amines functionalized with fluorine-containing-alkyl-aromatic groups. In specific embodiments, the amine may be selected from the group consisting of 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, 4-fluorophenethylamine, 2-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, and 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorobenzylamine, 3-fluorobenzylamine, 4-fluorobenzylamine, 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoroundecylamine, 2,3-difluorobenzylamine, 2,4-difluorobenzylamine, 2,6-difluorobenzylamine, 3,4-difluorobenzylamine 3,5-di-fluorobenzylamine, 2-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 3-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 4-trifluormethylbenzylamine, D-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine, and L-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine.
[0051] In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amines that can be used in such solvent systems can comprise cyclic amines, diamines, primary and/or secondary alcoholamines. Cyclic amines are amines wherein the nitrogen atom forms part of the ring structure, and may include, but are not limited to, aziridines, azetidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, piperazines, pyridines, and pyrimidines. Cyclic amines may comprise one or more rings and may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents as listed above. In some embodiments, the nitrogenous base may be a diamine. In some embodiments, the nitrogenous base may be a primary or secondary alcoholamine. Alcoholamines are also known as amino alcohols and contain both an alcohol and amine group. The amine group of the alcoholamine may be any type of amine as disclosed herein. The nucleophilic amine component is advantageously, in some embodiments, hydrophobic.
[0052] Protic non-aqueous liquids that may be utilized to form such ionic liquid solvent systems include, for example, fluorinated alcohols; optionally substituted phenols; and nitrogen heterocycles. Certain protic non-aqueous liquids are fluorinated alcohols (e.g., a fluorinated alcohol with five or more carbons, preferably with low water content (e.g., <about 10 wt % water)). Fluorinated alcohols useful according to the present disclosure may comprise any compound having the formula R—OH, where R is an alkyl group (e.g., C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 alkyl, or C.sub.3-C.sub.6 alkyl) and wherein one or more hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group is substituted with fluorine. In some embodiments, the number of hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine can be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or even more as may be deemed useful. In further embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may optionally be replaced with one or more other substituents, including, but not limited to, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo substituents.
[0053] Optionally substituted phenols useful in the invention are understood to mean phenols wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the phenyl ring may be replaced with a substituent. Non-limiting, exemplary replacement groups for one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the phenyl ring include C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo. Nitrogen heterocycles are understood to mean any cyclic compound including at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure (including but not limited to imidazoles, pyrazoles, and triazoles) and being optionally substituted such that one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the ring structure may be replaced with a substituent. In certain embodiments, at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure has an acidic hydrogen atom with a pKa lower than about 15 (e.g., between about 8 and about 15). Non-limiting, exemplary replacement groups for one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the ring include C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo.
[0054] In some specific embodiments, the protic non-aqueous liquid can be a relatively acidic component selected from the group consisting of: 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol (“OFP”); 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol (“TFP”); 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanol (“PFP”); 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorobutanol (“HFB”); 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (“TFE”); nonafluoro-1-hexanol; 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoroheptanol; 1,1,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanol; 4-methoxyphenol (“4-MeOPh”); 4-ethoxyphenol (“4-EtOPh”); 2-ethoxyphenol; 4-propoxyphenol; imidazole; benzimidazole; N-methyl imidazole; 1-trifluoroacetylimidazole; 1,2,3-triazole; 1,2,4-triazole; 2-trifluoromethylpyrazole; 3,5-bistrifluoromethylpyrazole; 3-trifluoromethylpyrazole, 2-fluorophenol, 3-fluorophenol, 4-fluorophenol, 2-trifluoromethylphenol, 3-trifluoromethylphenol, 4-trifluoromethylphenol, and mixtures thereof. Advantageously, protic non-aqueous liquids used within the solvent systems described herein can have low water content (e.g., <about 10 wt % water) and/or low water solubility. Typically, the protic, non-aqueous liquids used in this type of solvent system are active components of the solvent system (i.e., not serving only as diluents).
[0055] In ionic liquid solvent systems as described herein, the hydrogen nuclei of the protic non-aqueous liquid is sufficiently ionizable to dissociate from the protic non-aqueous liquid and react with the nucleophilic base. Acid gas components, such as CO.sub.2 and SO.sub.2, can be absorbed in such an ionic liquid solvent by reversible formation of the protic solvent and formation of a bond between the nucleophilic amine nitrogen and non-hydrogen, acid-gas nuclei forming for example, amine carbamate salts, Zwitterions (e.g., Zwitterionic sulfamic acid), sulfamic acids/salts, or a combination thereof. One exemplary solvent system and mechanism of reaction is shown in
[0056] In this type of solvent system, the absorption of the acid gas component is advantageously reversible. Upon loss of the acid gas component, the protic solvent again can donate a proton to the nucleophilic base. This solvent system has the advantage of minimizing losses of the nucleophilic amine to vapors due to the low vapor pressure of the ionic liquid salt in an absorption column, for instance, and the low vapor pressure of the carbamate salt in a regenerator section, for instance.
[0057] II. Mixtures Containing Two or More Nucleophilic Amines and Two or More Non-Aqueous Liquids
[0058] In another aspect, a solvent system comprising two or more nucleophilic amines mixed together with two or more non-aqueous liquids over a wide range of component ratios is provided and can be used to separate acid gas components from a gas mixture. The two or more nucleophilic amines react with the acid gas components (e.g., CO.sub.2 or SO.sub.2) to form at least one bond to nitrogen involving a nucleus other than hydrogen. The product formed with CO.sub.2 is a carbamate salt and can consist of a single amine carbamate structure or of a mixed amine carbamate structure. In certain embodiments, the solvent system removes CO.sub.2 without any substantial formation of a carbonate ester or a heteroatom analogue of a carbonate ester.
[0059] Nucleophilic amines that can be used to form certain exemplary solvent systems of this type can be primary and/or secondary amines which have reactive nitrogen centers. A primary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NH.sub.2R, where R can be a carbon-containing group, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. A secondary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NHR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, or R.sub.2 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0060] In certain embodiments, primary or secondary amines may be selected from amines functionalized with fluorine-containing-alkyl-aromatic groups. In specific embodiments, the amine may be selected from the group consisting of 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, 4-fluorophenethylamine, 2-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, and 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorobenzylamine, 3-fluorobenzylamine, 4-fluorobenzylamine, 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoroundecylamine, 2,3-difluorobenzylamine, 2,4-difluorobenzylamine, 2,6-difluorobenzylamine, 3,4-difluorobenzylamine 3,5-di-fluorobenzylamine, 2-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 3-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 4-trifluormethylbenzylamine, D-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine, and L-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine.
[0061] In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amines that can be used in such solvent systems can comprise cyclic amines, diamines, primary and/or secondary alcoholamines. Cyclic amines are amines wherein the nitrogen atom forms part of the ring structure, and may include, but are not limited to, aziridines, azetidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, piperazines, pyridines, and pyrimidines. Cyclic amines may comprise one or more rings and may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents as listed above. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amine may be a diamine. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amine may be a primary or secondary alcoholamine. Alcoholamines are also known as amino alcohols and contain both an alcohol and amine group. The amine group of the alcoholamine may be any type of amine as disclosed herein.
[0062] Preferably, one or both of the nucleophilic amines are non-aqueous and/or are hydrophobic and can advantageously have low water solubility (e.g., <about 10 wt %). Certain exemplary nucleophilic amines useful in this type of solvent system include, but are not limited to, alkyl fluoroaromatic amines such as 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, and 4-fluorophenethylamine.
[0063] Non-aqueous liquids useful according to this type of solvent system can vary. It is noted that one or more such non-aqueous liquids may, in some embodiments, be a protic, non-aqueous liquid. Preferably, one or both of the non-aqueous liquids have low water solubility (e.g., <about 10 wt %) and/or are hydrophobic. In certain embodiments, such non-aqueous liquids comprise fluorinated alcohols. Fluorinated alcohols useful according to the invention may comprise any compound having the formula R—OH, where R is an alkyl group (e.g., C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 alkyl, or C.sub.3-C.sub.6 alkyl) and wherein one or more hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group is substituted with fluorine. In some embodiments, the number of hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine can be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or even more as may be deemed useful. In further embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may optionally be replaced with one or more other substituents, including, but not limited to, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo substituents. Certain exemplary non-aqueous liquids include, but not limited to, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-hexafluorobutanol, and 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoroheptanol. In specific embodiments, one or more of the non-aqueous liquids may be selected from the group consisting of toluene, p-xylene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2,4,6-dimethylaminophenol, benzylalcohol, 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanone, 3,5-lutidine, cyclohexanone, aniline, pyridine, 2-fluoroacetylphenone, 1-fluorodecane, 2,4-difluorobenzophenone, 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylaniline, 2-fluoroaniline, 4-fluoroaniline, 3-trifluoromethylacetophenone, 2-trifluoromethylacetophenone, bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)methylphosphonate, 4-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde and mixtures thereof.
[0064] Other exemplary classes of protic non-aqueous liquids that may be used according to this class of solvent systems include, but are not limited to the following: optionally substituted phenols; and nitrogen heterocycles. Optionally substituted phenols useful in the invention are understood to mean phenols wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the phenyl ring may be replaced with a substituent. Non-limiting, exemplary replacement groups for one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the phenyl ring include C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo. Nitrogen heterocycles are understood to mean any cyclic compound including at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure (including but not limited to imidazoles, pyrazoles, and triazoles) and being optionally substituted such that one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the ring structure may be replaced with a substituent. In certain embodiments, at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure has an acidic hydrogen atom with a pKa lower than about 15 (e.g., between about 8 and about 15). Non-limiting, exemplary replacement groups for one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the ring include C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo.
[0065] In some specific embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid is a relatively acidic component selected from the group consisting of: 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol (“OFP”); 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol (“TFP”); 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanol (“PFP”); 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorobutanol (“HFB”); 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (“TFE”); nonafluoro-1-hexanol; 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoroheptanol; 1,1,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanol; 4-methoxyphenol (“4-MeOPh”); 4-ethoxyphenol (“4-EtOPh”); 2-ethoxyphenol; 4-propoxyphenol; imidazole; benzimidazole; N-methyl imidazole; 1-trifluoroacetylimidazole; 1,2,3-triazole; 1,2,4-triazole; 2-trifluoromethylpyrazole; 3,5-bistrifluoromethylpyrazole; 3-trifluoromethylpyrazole, 2-fluorophenol, 3-fluorophenol, 4-fluorophenol, 2-trifluoromethylphenol, 3-trifluoromethylphenol, 4-trifluoromethylphenol, and mixtures thereof.
[0066] One exemplary combination of two nucleophilic amines and two non-aqueous liquids is shown in
[0067] Typically, the non-aqueous liquids used in this type of solvent system are active components of the solvent system (i.e., not serving only as diluents). Although the present solvent system is described as comprising one or more non-aqueous liquids, it is noted that, in a related embodiment, one or more of the non-aqueous liquids can be a diluent. Thus, the present disclosure also, in certain embodiments, relates to mixtures containing two or more nucleophilic amines and two or more components selected from the group consisting of non-aqueous liquids and diluents.
[0068] III. Mixtures Containing Nucleophilic Amine(s), Non-Nucleophilic Nitrogenous Base(s), and Non-Aqueous Liquid(s)
[0069] In one aspect of the invention, solvent systems can comprise mixtures of one or more nucleophilic amines, one or more non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases, and one or more non-aqueous liquids. The properties of the solvents are altered in such formulations as compared to non-blended formulations and can advantageously be used to meet specific process requirements for gas treatment. In such an embodiment, the solvent system may react reversibly with carbon dioxide and other acid gases.
[0070] In certain embodiments, nucleophilic amines that can be used in this type of solvent formulation can be primary and/or secondary amines which have reactive nitrogen centers. A primary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NH.sub.2R, where R can be a carbon-containing group, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. A secondary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NHR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, or R.sub.2 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0071] In certain embodiments, primary or secondary amines may be selected from amines functionalized with fluorine-containing-alkyl-aromatic groups. In specific embodiments, the amine may be selected from the group consisting of 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, 4-fluorophenethylamine, 2-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, and 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorobenzylamine, 3-fluorobenzylamine, 4-fluorobenzylamine, 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoroundecylamine, 2,3-difluorobenzylamine, 2,4-difluorobenzylamine, 2,6-difluorobenzylamine, 3,4-difluorobenzylamine 3,5-di-fluorobenzylamine, 2-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 3-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 4-trifluormethylbenzylamine, D-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine, and L-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine.
[0072] In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amines that can be used in such solvent systems can comprise cyclic amines, diamines, primary and/or secondary alcoholamines. Cyclic amines are amines wherein the nitrogen atom forms part of the ring structure, and may include, but are not limited to, aziridines, azetidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, piperazines, pyridines, and pyrimidines. Cyclic amines may comprise one or more rings and may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents as listed above. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amine may be a diamine. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amine may be a primary or secondary alcoholamine. Alcoholamines are also known as amino alcohols and contain both an alcohol and amine group. The amine group of the alcoholamine may be any type of amine as disclosed herein.
[0073] Generally, such compounds can react to form bonds with non-hydrogen atoms in acid gas components. These reactions may result in the formation of, for instance, carbamate salts, mixed carbamate salts, zwitterions, sulfamates, and/or sulfamic acids. It is advantageous for the nucleophilic amines to have low water content (e.g., <about 10 wt % water) and readily form a separate liquid phase when saturated with water. Exemplary nucleophilic amines for use in these types of solvent systems include, but are not limited to, alkyl fluoroaromatic amines such as 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, and 4-fluorophenethylamine.
[0074] The non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous base component(s) in this type of solvent system can vary. In certain embodiments, non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases which have low water content (e.g., <about 20% water or <about 10 wt % water at 25° C.) are used, which will readily form a separate liquid-phase when combined with water. Advantagouesly therefore, certain non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous bases useful in such solvent systems can be hydrophobic and/or substantially immiscible with water, where “substantially immiscible with water” is as described elsewhere in the present application. One exemplary type of non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base useful in this type of solvent system is a guanidine or substituted guanidine (e.g., a fluorinated guanidine).
[0075] Guanidines are understood to be compounds of the structure RNC(NR.sub.1R.sub.2).sub.2, wherein R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are independently H or carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogen atoms on R, R.sub.1, and/or R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0076] Another type of non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base that may be used in such solvent systems is an amidine, including but not limited to a carboxamidine/carboximidamide, which is understood to be a compound of the structure RC(═NH)NR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are independently H or carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogen atoms on R, R.sub.1, and/or R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0077] Exemplary guanidines and amidines include, but are not limited to, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (“TMG”); N-tert-butyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine, diphenylguanidine, ditolylguanidine, 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene, 1,1,3-trimethyl-3-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)guanidine; 1,1,3-trimethyl-3-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)guanidine; 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(4-fluorophenyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(3-fluorophenyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(2-fluorophenyl)guanidine; 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine; 2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)-1,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine; 3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-N,N-dimethylbutanimidamide; 3,3,3-trifluoro-N,N-dimethylpropanimidamide; and mixtures thereof. Other non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous bases can also be used as the non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous base component of such solvent systems, e.g., including, but not limited to, tertiary amines (e.g., fluorinated tertiary amines).
[0078] Advantageously, non-aqueous liquids used within the solvent systems described herein can have low water content (e.g., <about 10 wt % water) and/or low water solubility. Exemplary classes of non-aqueous liquids that may be used according to this class of solvent systems include, but are not limited to the following: fluorinated alcohols; optionally substituted phenols; and nitrogen heterocycles. Particularly preferred according to this particular type of solvent system are fluorinated alcohols (e.g., a fluorinated alcohol with five or more carbons, preferably with low water content (e.g., <about 10 wt % water)). Fluorinated alcohols useful according to the present disclosure may comprise any compound having the formula R—OH, where R is an alkyl group (e.g., C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 alkyl, or C.sub.3-C.sub.6 alkyl) and wherein one or more hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group is substituted with fluorine. In some embodiments, the number of hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine can be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or even more as may be deemed useful. In further embodiments, one or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may optionally be replaced with one or more other substituents, including, but not limited to, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo substituents.
[0079] Optionally substituted phenols useful in the invention are understood to mean phenols wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the phenyl ring may be replaced with a substituent. Non-limiting, exemplary replacement groups for one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the phenyl ring include C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo. Nitrogen heterocycles are understood to mean any cyclic compound including at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure (including but not limited to imidazoles, pyrazoles, and triazoles) and being optionally substituted such that one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the ring structure may be replaced with a substituent. In certain embodiments, at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure has an acidic hydrogen atom with a pKa lower than about 15 (e.g., between about 8 and about 15). Non-limiting, exemplary replacement groups for one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the ring include C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and halo.
[0080] In some specific embodiments, the non-aqueous liquid is a relatively acidic component selected from the group consisting of: 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol (“OFP”); 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol (“TFP”); 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanol (“PFP”); 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorobutanol (“HFB”); 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (“TFE”); nonafluoro-1-hexanol; 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoroheptanol; 1,1,3,3-hexafluoro-2-phenyl-2-propanol; 4-methoxyphenol (“4-MeOPh”); 4-ethoxyphenol (“4-EtOPh”); 2-ethoxyphenol; 4-propoxyphenol; imidazole; benzimidazole; N-methyl imidazole; 1-trifluoroacetylimidazole; 1,2,3-triazole; 1,2,4-triazole; 2-trifluoromethylpyrazole; 3,5-bistrifluoromethylpyrazole; 3-trifluoromethylpyrazole, 2-fluorophenol, 3-fluorophenol, 4-fluorophenol, 2-trifluoromethylphenol, 3-trifluoromethylphenol, 4-trifluoromethylphenol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the non-aqueous liquids used in this type of solvent system are active components of the solvent system (i.e., not serving only as diluents).
[0081] When reacted with an acid gas, such as carbon dioxide, a solvent comprising one or more nucleophilic amines, one or more non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous bases, and one or more protic non-aqueous liquids will form two products, as shown in
[0082] IV. Neat, Hydrophobic, Nucleophilic Amine
[0083] In another aspect of the invention, neat, hydrophobic, non-aqueous solvents can be provided. Specifically, a neat solvent according to the invention can consist of a single nucleophilic amine. The term “neat” as used herein can mean that no other cosolvent is present in the solvent system, may mean that little to no other liquid is present in the solvent system (e.g., including situations wherein the solvent system comprises a small amount of undesired water, e.g., <about 10 wt %), or may mean that no other reactive component is present in the solvent system (i.e., which could react with the hydrophobic, nucleophilic amine, the acidic gas, or both). A neat hydrophobic nucleophilic amine can, in some embodiments, comprise a mixture of hydrophobic nucleophilic amines, but preferably comprises a single hydrophobic nucleophilic amine component. In some embodiments, a “neat” hydrophobic, nucleophilic amine solvent system consists of a neat hydrophobic nucleophilic amine and an acidic gas. Neat, hydrophobic nucleophilic amines can react with acid gas components such as CO.sub.2 and SO.sub.2 to form amine carbamate salts, Zwitterionic sulfamic acids, and/or sulfate salts, and in certain embodiments, no additional diluent is required to prevent precipitate formation.
[0084] One exemplary hydrophobic, nucleophilic amine suitable for this purpose is 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, as shown in
[0085] For example, hydrophobic, nucleophilic amines that can be used to form certain exemplary neat solvent systems of this type can, in some embodiments, be primary and/or secondary amines which have reactive nitrogen centers. A primary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NH.sub.2R, where R can be a carbon-containing group, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. A secondary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NHR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents.
[0086] For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, or R.sub.2 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0087] In certain embodiments, primary or secondary amines may be selected from amines functionalized with fluorine-containing-alkyl-aromatic groups. In specific embodiments, the amine may be selected from the group consisting of 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, 4-fluorophenethylamine, 2-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, and 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorobenzylamine, 3-fluorobenzylamine, 4-fluorobenzylamine, 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoroundecylamine, 2,3-difluorobenzylamine, 2,4-difluorobenzylamine, 2,6-difluorobenzylamine, 3,4-difluorobenzylamine 3,5-di-fluorobenzylamine, 2-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 3-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 4-trifluormethylbenzylamine, D-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine, and L-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine.
[0088] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic, nucleophilic amines that can be used in such solvent systems can comprise cyclic amines, diamines, primary and/or secondary alcoholamines. Cyclic amines are amines wherein the nitrogen atom forms part of the ring structure, and may include, but are not limited to, aziridines, azetidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, piperazines, pyridines, and pyrimidines. Cyclic amines may comprise one or more rings and may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents as listed above. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amine may be a diamine. In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amine may be a primary or secondary alcoholamine. Alcoholamines are also known as amino alcohols and contain both an alcohol and amine group. The amine group of the alcoholamine may be any type of amine as disclosed herein. Notably, to function as a neat hydrophobic amine solvent, some nucleophilic amines (e.g., cyclic amines) are preferably functionalized with fluorine-containing groups.
[0089] The neat hydrophobic nucleophilic amine solvent preferably has a low water content (e.g., <about 10 wt %) and forms a separate liquid phase with water. There are several advantages to a non-aqueous solvent process for acid-gas removal by utilization of a neat hydrophobic amine solvent. First, the low heat capacity of the neat amine solvent significantly reduces the sensible heat requirement of the solvent. Second, treatment of process water that has come in contact with the solvent will be simplified due to the reduction in the number of components in the solvent mixture. A relatively small set of secondary amines do not require diluents to avoid precipitate formation upon reaction with acid gases (neat nucleophilic amines). Of this small set, many are not suitable for treatment of industrial acid-gas containing gas streams due to miscibility with water. Since many of the industrial acid-gas containing gas streams (e.g., combustion flue gases, cement kiln gases, natural gas, synthesis gases, etc.) may contain high concentrations of water (typically about 2-30 vol %), neat secondary amines having water miscibility will strip water from the gas stream, thus creating a mixture with the water. To avoid this mixture formation, the neat secondary amine is advantageously selected such that it has very low water miscibility. As a result, in such embodiments, the solvent of the acid gas removal process can be considered to consist of or consist essentially of a single component.
[0090] V. Mixtures Containing Nucleophilic Amine(s) and Non-Nucleophilic Nitrogenous Base(s)
[0091] In another aspect of the invention, acid gas components (e.g., carbon dioxide), can be separated from gas mixtures using a combination of one or more nucleophilic amines and one or more non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases. In some embodiment, no diluents are contained in such solvent systems (e.g., a “neat” mixture of nucleophilic amine(s) and non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases is provided). However, embodiments with one or more added diluents are also encompassed within this class of solvent systems. Preferably, solvent systems comprising a nucleophilic amine and non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base comprise a mixture of a hydrophobic nucleophilic amine and a hydrophobic, non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base with a total water content of less than 10 wt %.
[0092] Nucleophilic amines that can be used to form certain exemplary solvent systems of this type can be primary and/or secondary amines which have reactive nitrogen centers. A primary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NH.sub.2R, where R can be a carbon-containing group, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. A secondary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NHR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, or R.sub.2 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0093] In certain embodiments, primary or secondary amines may be selected from amines functionalized with fluorine-containing-alkyl-aromatic groups. In specific embodiments, the amine may be selected from the group consisting of 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, 4-fluorophenethylamine, 2-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, and 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorobenzylamine, 3-fluorobenzylamine, 4-fluorobenzylamine, 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoroundecylamine, 2,3-difluorobenzylamine, 2,4-difluorobenzylamine, 2,6-difluorobenzylamine, 3,4-difluorobenzylamine 3,5-di-fluorobenzylamine, 2-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 3-trifluormethylbenzylamine, 4-trifluormethylbenzylamine, D-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine, and L-4-fluoro-alpha-methylbenzylamine.
[0094] In some embodiments, the nucleophilic amines that can be used in such solvent systems can comprise cyclic amines, diamines, primary and/or secondary alcoholamines. Cyclic amines are amines wherein the nitrogen atom forms part of the ring structure, and may include, but are not limited to, aziridines, azetidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, piperazines, pyridines, and pyrimidines. Cyclic amines may comprise one or more rings and may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents as listed above. In some embodiments, the nitrogenous base may be a diamine. In some embodiments, the nitrogenous base may be a primary or secondary alcoholamine. Alcoholamines are also known as amino alcohols and contain both an alcohol and amine group. The amine group of the alcoholamine may be any type of amine as disclosed herein.
[0095] The non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous base component(s) in this type of solvent system can vary. In certain embodiments, non-nucleophilic nitrogenous bases which have low water content (e.g., <about 20% water or <about 10 wt % water at 25° C.) are used, which will readily form a separate liquid-phase when combined with water. Advantagouesly therefore, certain non-nucleophilic, nitrogenous bases useful in such solvent systems can be hydrophobic and/or substantially immiscible with water, where “substantially immiscible with water” is as described elsewhere in the present application. Exemplary types of non-nucleophilic nitrogenous base useful in this type of solvent system are guanidines or substituted guanidines (e.g., fluorinated guanidines), amidines (e.g., fluorinated amidines), or tertiary amines (e.g., fluorinated tertiary amines).
[0096] Guanidines are understood to be compounds of the structure RNC(NR.sub.1R.sub.2).sub.2, wherein R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are independently H or carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogen atoms on R, R.sub.1, and/or R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0097] Amidines include, but are not limited to a carboxamidine/carboximidamide, which is understood to be a compound of the structure RC(═NH)NR.sub.1R.sub.2, wherein R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are independently H or carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogen atoms on R, R.sub.1, and/or R.sub.2 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0098] Exemplary guanidines and amidines include, but are not limited to, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (“TMG”); N-tert-butyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine, diphenylguanidine, ditolylguanidine, 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene, 1,1,3-trimethyl-3-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)guanidine; 1,1,3-trimethyl-3-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)guanidine; 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(4-fluorophenyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(3-fluorophenyl)guanidine; 1,3-bis(2-fluorophenyl)guanidine; 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine; 2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)-1,4,5,6,-tetrahydropyrimidine; 3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-N,N-dimethylbutanimidamide; 3,3,3-trifluoro-N,N-dimethylpropanimidamide; and mixtures thereof.
[0099] A tertiary amine is understood to be a compound of the formula NR.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are independently carbon-containing groups, including but not limited to C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl. One or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may optionally be replaced with one or more substituents. For example, one or more of the hydrogens on R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 may be replaced with optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkenyl; optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.10 alkynyl; optionally substituted alkylaryl; optionally substituted arylalkyl; optionally substituted aryloxy; optionally substituted heteroaryl; optionally substituted heterocycle; halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); hydroxyl; halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, and CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); halogenated aryl; halogenated alkylaryl; halogenated benzyl; optionally substituted amino; optionally substituted alkylamino; optionally substituted arylamino; optionally substituted acyl; CN; NO.sub.2; N.sub.3; CH.sub.2OH; CONH.sub.2; C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkylthio; sulfate; sulfonic acid; sulfonate esters (e.g., methanesulfonyl); phosphonic acid; phosphate; phosphonate; mono-, di-, or triphosphate esters; trityl or monomethoxytrityl; CF.sub.3S; CF.sub.3SO.sub.2; or silyl (e.g., trimethylsilyl, dimethyl-t-butylsilyl, and diphenylmethylsilyl).
[0100] Certain exemplary formulations include, but are not limited to, one or more primary and/or secondary amines, including alkyl fluoroaromatic amines such as 3-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 4-fluoro-N-methylbenzylamine, 2-fluorophenethylamine, 3-fluorophenethylamine, and 4-fluorophenethylamine used in combination with one or more tertiary amines (e.g., fluorinated tertiary amines), guanidines (e.g., fluorinated guanidines), and/or amidines (e.g., fluorinated amidines).
[0101] In some specific embodiments, this type of solvent system can consist of a secondary amine and guanidine as shown in
[0102] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.