METHOD FOR THE SELECTIVE CLEAVAGE OF A COMPOUND COMPRISING AN AROMATIC RING AND A C-O-C LINKAGE

Abstract

A method for the selective cleavage of a compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst is provided. The heterogenous catalyst may be a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine. By using this method, it is possible to increase the selectivity and/or yield (preferably both) of aromatic compounds.

Claims

1. A method of cleaving a CO bond in a compound, comprising contacting the compound with a hydrogen source in the presence of a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine, wherein the compound comprises an aromatic ring and a COC linkage, thereby cleaving the CO bond in the COC linkage.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound comprising the aromatic ring and the COC linkage is a compound comprising an ether linkage, which belongs to a class of ether linkages that contain an oxygen atom directly connected to at least one aryl or arenediyl or a class of ether linkages that contain an oxygen atom directly connected to two alkanediyls, each of which is connected to an aryl or an arenediyl.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage is a lignin compound.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the compound comprising an aromatic ring and the COC linkage is a compound comprising an ether linkage, which is a class of ether linkages that contain one oxygen atom directly connected to two aryls or arenediyls.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the compound comprising the aromatic ring and the COC linkage is a poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) comprising recurring units (R.sub.PAEK) which are selected from the group consisting of units of formulas (J-A) to (J-E) below: ##STR00018## wherein R and R.sup.2, at each location, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine, quaternary ammonium; and j and b, are independently zero or an integer ranging from 1 to 4.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the noble metal is selected from the group consisting of rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum and gold, and combinations thereof.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the noble metal is present in amount from 0.5 wt % to 30 wt % relative to the total weight of the supported noble metal catalyst with a dopant.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the halogen is Br.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the halogen is present in amount from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt % relative to the total weight of the supported noble metal catalyst with a dopant.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleavage reaction is carried out in the presence of a zeolite having LTA, FAU, BEA, MFI or MOR framework.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the support of the supported noble metal catalyst is carbon.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage to the catalyst is from 1:1 to 100:1 and preferably from 2:1 to 10:1.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reaction temperature of the cleavage reaction is from 80 to 250 C.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen source is H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 pressure is from 1 and 50 bars.

15. A mixture comprising: i. a compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage; ii. a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine; iii. a hydrogen source; iv. optionally a solvent; v. optionally a zeolite having LTA, FAU, BEA, MFI or MOR framework.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates the conversion of diphenyl ether (hereinafter DPE) and selectivity to benzene, phenol and mono-aromatics when BrRu/C was used as the catalyst;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates the conversion of DPE and selectivity to benzene, phenol and mono-aromatics when Ru/C was used as the catalyst;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates the evolution of conversion of DPE and yield to different products with the reaction time when BrRu/C was used as the catalyst;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates the stability test of BrRu/C catalyst (Conversion of DPE);

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates the stability test of BrRu/C catalyst (Selectivity to different products);

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates the conversion of benzyl phenyl ether (hereinafter BPE) and selectivity to various products when BrRu/C and Ru/C were used as the catalysts.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates the conversion of dibenzyl ether (hereinafter DBE) and selectivity to various products when BrRu/C(with and without NaA zeolite) and Ru/C were used as the catalyst.

DEFINITIONS

[0028] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term comprising one should be understood as being synonymous with the term comprising at least one, unless otherwise specified, and between should be understood as being inclusive of the limits.

[0029] As used herein, the terminology (C.sub.n-C.sub.m) in reference to an organic group, wherein n and m are both integers, indicates that the group may contain from n carbon atoms to m carbon atoms per group.

[0030] The articles a, an and the are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0031] The term and/or includes the meanings and, or and also all the other possible combinations of the elements connected to this term.

[0032] It is specified that, in the continuation of the description, unless otherwise indicated, the values at the limits are included in the ranges of values which are given.

[0033] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value or sub-range is explicitly recited.

DETAILS OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Compound Comprising an Aromatic Ring and a COC Linkage

[0035] It shall be understood by the skilled person that any one of CO bonds in the COC linkage can be cleaved by the method according to the present invention.

[0036] It shall be understood by the skilled person that the aromatic ring is present in the compound by connecting an aromatic hydrocarbon radical, notably aryl or arenediyl to atom(s), such as carbon or oxygen atom(s), which is contained in the compound.

[0037] By aryl is meant a monovalent radical obtained by the removal of one hydrogen atom attached to one carbon atom contained in an aromatic ring of an arene, including, but not limited to, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, benzyl, and the like. The aryl includes substituted or unsubstituted aryls. The aryl can have one, two, three, four, or five substituents independently selected from the group consisting of: alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylated amino, carboxyl, ester, cyano, nitro and halogen.

[0038] By arenediyl is meant a bivalent radical obtained by the removal of one hydrogen atom attached to each of two carbon atoms contained in an aromatic ring of an arene, including, but not limited to phenylene. The arenediyl includes substituted or unsubstituted arenediyls. The arenediyl group can have one, two, three or four substituents independently selected from the group consisting of: alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylated amino, carboxyl, ester, cyano, nitro and halogen.

[0039] Preferably, the aryl is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

[0040] By atom is meant to include a chemical element, as well as ionic forms thereof. For example, an atom of magnesium is meant to include Mg.sup.0, as well as ionic forms (e.g., cationic forms, such as Mg.sup.2+).

[0041] In some embodiments, the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage may notably be a compound comprising an ether linkage, which belongs to a class of ether linkages that contain an oxygen atom directly connected to at least one aryl or arenediyl.

[0042] For example, the compound may comprise an ether linkage, which belongs to a class of ether linkages that contain an oxygen atom directly connected to one alkanediyl, and one aryl or one arenediyl. Non-limiting examples can be a lignin model compound having general formula(I).

##STR00001## [0043] wherein: [0044] alkanediyl is connected to an aryl or an arenediyl; [0045] X.sup.1 and X.sup.2, independently from one another, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylated amino, carboxyl, ester, cyano, nitro and halogen and preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, a C.sub.4-C.sub.12 cycloalkyl and an aryl; [0046] m is an integer from 1 to 10.

[0047] By alkanediyl is meant a bivalent radical obtained by the removal of two hydrogen atoms attached to one or two carbon atom(s) of an alkane. The alkanediyl includes substituted or unsubstituted alkanediyls.

[0048] The compound having general formula(I) may notably be (benzyloxy)benzene and 1-methyl-4-((4-methylbenzyl)oxy)benzene or phenethoxybenzene and 1-methyl-4-(4-methylphenethoxy)benzene.

[0049] For example, the compound comprises an ether linkage, which belongs to a class of ether linkages that contain an oxygen atom directly connected to two aryls or arenediyls. Non-limiting examples can be a lignin model compound having general formula(II) and poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK).

##STR00002## [0050] wherein Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2 have the same meanings as X.sup.1 and X.sup.2.

[0051] The compound having general formula(II) may notably be diphenyl ether and 4,4-oxybis(methylbenzene).

[0052] As used herein, a poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) denotes any polymer comprising recurring units (R.sub.PAEK) comprising a Ar C(O)Ar* group, where Ar and Ar*, equal to or different from each other, are aromatic groups, the mol. % being based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer. The recurring units (R.sub.PAEK) are selected from the group consisting of units of formulas (J-A) to (J-E) below:

##STR00003## [0053] wherein [0054] R and R.sup.2, at each location, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium; and [0055] j and b, are independently zero or an integer ranging from 1 to 4.

[0056] In recurring unit (R.sub.PAEK), the respective phenylene moieties may independently have 1,2-, 1,4- or 1,3-linkages to the other moieties different from R in the recurring unit (R.sub.PAEK). Preferably, the phenylene moieties have 1,3- or 1,4- linkages, more preferably they have a 1,4-linkage.

[0057] In recurring units (R.sub.PAEK), j is preferably at each location zero so that the phenylene moieties have no other substituents than those linking the main chain of the polymer.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the PAEK is a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK).

[0059] As used herein, a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) denotes any polymer comprising recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formula (J-A), based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer:

##STR00004## [0060] wherein [0061] R, at each location, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium; and [0062] j, for each R, is independently zero or an integer ranging from 1 to 4 (for example 1, 2, 3 or 4).

[0063] According to formula (J-A), each aromatic cycle of the recurring unit (R.sub.PEEK) may contain from 1 to 4 radical groups R. When j is 0, the corresponding aromatic cycle does not contain any radical group R.

[0064] Each phenylene moiety of the recurring unit (R.sub.PEEK) may, independently from one another, have a 1,2-, a 1,3- or a 1,4-linkage to the other phenylene moieties. According to an embodiment, each phenylene moiety of the recurring unit (R.sub.PEEK), independently from one another, has a 1,3- or a 1,4-linkage to the other phenylene moieties. According to another embodiment yet, each phenylene moiety of the recurring unit (R.sub.PEEK) has a 1,4-linkage to the other phenylene moieties.

[0065] According to an embodiment, R is, at each location in formula (J-A) above, independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-C12 moiety, optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatoms; sulfonic acid and sulfonate groups; phosphonic acid and phosphonate groups; amine and quaternary ammonium groups.

[0066] According to an embodiment, j is zero for each R. In other words, according to this embodiment, the recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) are according to formula (I -A):

##STR00005##

[0067] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) denotes any polymer comprising at least 10 mol. % of the recurring units are recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formula (J-A):

##STR00006## [0068] the mol. % being based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least 10 mol. % (based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer), at least 20 mol. %, at least 30 mol. %, at least 40 mol. %, at least 50 mol. %, at least 60 mol. % , at least 70 mol. %, at least 80 mol. %, at least 90 mol. %, at least 95 mol. %, at least 99 mol. % or all of the recurring units in the PEEK are recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formulas (J-A), (J-A) and/or (J-A).

[0070] The PEEK polymer can therefore be a homopolymer or a copolymer. If the PEEK polymer is a copolymer, it can be a random, alternate or block copolymer.

[0071] When the PEEK is a copolymer, it can be made of recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK), different from and in addition to recurring units (R.sub.PEEK).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the PAEK is a copolymer of recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) as described above and recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK) of formula (J-D):

##STR00007## [0073] wherein [0074] R, at each location, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium; and [0075] j, for each R, is independently zero or an integer ranging from 1 to 4.

[0076] According to formula (J-D), each aromatic cycle of the recurring unit (R*.sub.PEEK) may contain from 1 to 4 radical groups R. When j is 0, the corresponding aromatic cycle does not contain any radical group R.

[0077] According to an embodiment, R is, at each location in formula (J-D) above, independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-C12 moiety, optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatoms; sulfonic acid and sulfonate groups; phosphonic acid and phosphonate groups; amine and quaternary ammonium groups.

[0078] According to an embodiment, j is zero for each R. In other words, according to this embodiment, the recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK) are according to formula (J-D):

##STR00008##

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK) are according to formula (J-D):

##STR00009##

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, less than 90 mol. % (based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer), less than 80 mol. %, less than 70 mol. %, less than 60 mol. %, less than 50 mol. %, less than 40 mol. %, less than 30 mol. %, less than 20 mol. %, less than 10 mol. %, less than 5 mol. %, less than 1 mol. % or all of the recurring units in the PEEK are recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK) of formulas (J-D), (J-D), and/or (J-D).

[0081] According to an embodiment, the PEEK polymer is a PEEK-PEDEK copolymer. As used herein, a PEEK-PEDEK copolymer denotes a polymer comprising recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formula (J-A), (J-A) and/or (J-A) and recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK) of formulas (J-D), (J-D) or (J-D) (also called hereby recurring units (R.sub.PEDEK)). The PEEK-PEDEK copolymer may include relative molar proportions of recurring units (R.sub.PEEK/R.sub.PEDEK) ranging from 95/5 to 5/95, from 90/10 to 10/90, or from 85/15 to 15/85. The sum of recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) and (R.sub.PEDEK) can for example represent at least 60 mol. %, 70 mol. %, 80 mol. %, 90 mol. %, 95 mol. %, 99 mol. %, of recurring units in the PEEK copolymer. The sum of recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) and (R.sub.PEDEK) can also represent 100 mol. %, of recurring units in the PEEK copolymer.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the PAEK is a copolymer of recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) as described above and recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formula (J-E):

##STR00010## [0083] wherein [0084] R.sup.2, at each location, is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, ether, thioether, carboxylic acid, ester, amide, imide, alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, alkyl phosphonate, amine and quaternary ammonium; and [0085] b, for each R.sup.2, is independently zero or an integer ranging from 1 to 4.

[0086] According to formula (J-E), each aromatic cycle of the recurring unit (R.sub.PEEK) may contain from 1 to 4 radical groups R.sup.2. When b is 0, the corresponding aromatic cycle does not contain any radical group R.sup.2.

[0087] According to an embodiment, R.sup.2 is, at each location in formula (J-E) above, independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-C12 moiety, optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatoms; sulfonic acid and sulfonate groups; phosphonic acid and phosphonate groups; amine and quaternary ammonium groups.

[0088] According to an embodiment, b is zero for each R.sup.2. In other words, according to this embodiment, the recurring units (R*.sub.PEEK) are according to formula (J-E):

##STR00011##

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, less than 90 mol. % (based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer), less than 80 mol. %, less than 70 mol. %, less than 60 mol. %, less than 50 mol. %, less than 40 mol. %, less than 30 mol. %, less than 20 mol. %, less than 10 mol. %, less than 5 mol. %, less than 1 mol. % or all of the recurring units in the PEEK are recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formulas (J-E) and/or (J-E).

[0090] In some embodiments, the PAEK is a PEEK-PEoEK copolymer, that-is-to-say a copolymer comprsing PEEK recurring units and PEoEK recurring units. As used herein, a PEEK-PEoEK copolymer denotes a polymer comprising recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formula (J-A), (J-A) and/or (J-A) and recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) of formulas (J-E) and/or (J-E) (also called hereby recurring units (R.sub.PEoEK). The PEEK-PEoEK copolymer may additionally comprise recurring units different from recurring units (R.sub.PEEK) and (R.sub.PEoEK), as above detailed. In such case, the amount of these repeat units can be comprised between 0.1 and less than 50 mol. %, preferably less than 10 mol. %, more preferably less than 5 mol. %, most preferably less than 2 mol. %, with respect to the total number of moles of recurring units of PEEK-PEoEK copolymer. Recurring units R.sub.PEEK and R.sub.PEoEK are present in the PEEK-PEoEK copolymer in a R.sub.PEEK/R.sub.PEoEK molar ratio ranging from 95/5 to 5/95. Preferably, the PEEK-PEoEK copolymers are those comprising a majority of R.sub.PEEK units, that-is-to-say copolymers in which the R.sub.PEEK/R.sub.PEoEK molar ratio ranges from 95/5 to more than 50/50, even more preferably from 95/5 to 60/40, still more preferably from 90/10 to 65/35, most preferably 85/15 to 70/30.

[0091] PEEK is commercially available as KetaSpire PEEK from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC.

[0092] PEEK can be prepared by any method known in the art. It can for example result from the condensation of 4,4-difluorobenzophenone and hydroquinone in presence of a base. The reactor of monomer units takes place through a nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The molecular weight (for example the weight average molecular weight Mw) can be adjusting the monomers molar ratio and measuring the yield of polymerisation (e.g. measure of the torque of the impeller that stirs the reaction mixture).

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PEEK polymer has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 75,000 to 100,000 g/mol, for example from 77,000 to 98,000 g/mol, from 79,000 to 96,000 g/mol, from 81,000 to 95,000 g/mol, or from 85,000 to 94,500 g/mol (as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using phenol and trichlorobenzene (1:1) at 160 C., with polystyrene standards).

[0094] In another embodiment, the PAEK is a poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK).

[0095] As used herein, a poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) denotes a polymer comprising more than 50 mol. % of the recurring units of formulas (J-B.sub.1) and (J-B.sub.2), and at least one recurring unit of each, the mol. % being based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer:

##STR00012## [0096] wherein [0097] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, at each instance, is independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, an alkenyl, an alkynyl, an aryl, an ether, a thioether, a carboxylic acid, an ester, an amide, an imide, an alkali or alkaline earth metal sulfonate, an alkyl sulfonate, an alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonate, an alkyl phosphonate, an amine, and a quaternary ammonium; and [0098] i and j, at each instance, is an independently selected integer ranging from 0 to 4.

[0099] According to an embodiment, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are, at each location in formula (J-B.sub.2) and (J-B.sub.1) above, independently selected from the group consisting of a C1-C12 moiety, optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatoms; sulfonic acid and sulfonate groups; phosphonic acid and phosphonate groups; amine and quaternary ammonium groups.

[0100] According to another embodiment, i and j are zero for each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 group. According to this embodiment, the PEKK polymer comprises at least 50 mol. % of recurring units of formulas (J-B.sub.1) and (J-B.sub.2), the mol. % being based on the total number of moles of recurring units in the polymer:

##STR00013##

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least 55 mol. %, at least 60 mol. %, at least 70 mol. %, at least 80 mol. %, at least 90 mol. %, at least 95 mol. %, at least 99 mol. % or all of the recurring units in the PEKK are recurring units of formulas (J-B.sub.1) and (J-B.sub.2).

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the PEKK polymer, the molar ratio of recurring units (J-B.sub.2) or/and (J-B.sub.2) to recurring units (J-B.sub.1) or/and (J-B.sub.1) is at least 1:1 to 5.7:1, for example at least 1.2:1 to 4:1, at least 1.4:1 to 3:1 or at least 1.4:1 to 1.86:1.

[0103] The PEKK polymer has preferably an inherent viscosity of at least 0.50 deciliters per gram (dL/g), as measured following ASTM D2857 at 30 C. on 0.5 wt./vol. % solutions in concentrated H.sub.2SO.sub.4 (96 wt. % minimum), for example at least 0.60 dL/g or at least 0.65 dL/g and for example at most 1.50 dL/g, at most 1.40 dL/g, or at most 1.30 dL/g.

[0104] PEKK is commercially available as NovaSpire PEKK from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC.

[0105] In some embodiments, the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage may be a compound comprising an ether linkage, which belongs to a class of ether linkages that contain an oxygen atom directly connected to two alkanediyls, each of which is connected to an aryl or an arenediyl. Non-limiting examples can be a lignin model compound having general formula (III).

##STR00014## [0106] wherein Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 have the same meanings as X.sup.1 and X.sup.2; n and p, independently from one another, are integers from 1 to 10.

[0107] The compound having general formula (III) may notably be dibenzyl ether and (oxybis(methylene))dibenzene.

[0108] In some embodiments, the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage is a lignin compound. Lignin compound is a class of aromatic biopolymers, which comprises ether linkages above defined.

[0109] Catalyst

[0110] As previously expressed, a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine is used in the method according to the present invention.

[0111] The noble metals are metals that are normally valuable and resistant to corrosion and oxidation in moist air. Preferred noble metal can be selected from the group consisting of rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum and gold. Ruthenium is most preferable among these noble metals.

[0112] Advantageously, the noble metal may be present in amount from 0.5 wt % to 30 wt %, more preferably 2 wt % to 10 wt % in the supported noble metal catalyst, relative to the total weight of the supported noble metal catalyst with a dopant.

[0113] The noble metal is normally present in the form of nanoparticles on the support. The average particle size may be from 0.5 to 30 nm and preferably from 1 to 10 nm.

[0114] A person skilled in the art will understand how to prepare such a TEM image and determine the particle size based on the magnification. For example, Pd nanoparticles can be characterized by TEM on a JEOL JEM 2100 microscope operated at 200 kV and equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The particles to be measured refer to the projection (2D-representation) of the particles on the micrograph. Before performing the measurements, it is necessary to calibrate the image. Size distribution histograms are then plotted as percent Pd nanoparticles versus Pd diameter on the basis of the size measurements obtained from an image processing program, such as ImageJ. The number average is obtained by weighted average method. The measurement should be made on a sufficiently high number of particles, for example at least 25 particles, preferably at least 100 particles, more preferably at least 300 particles, still more preferably at least 500 particles.

[0115] The support is not particularly limited as long as its presence does not prevent the cleavage reaction.

[0116] The support can be a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2), zirconium dioxide (ZrO.sub.2), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), lanthanum oxide (La.sub.2O.sub.3), niobium dioxide (NbO.sub.2), cerium oxide (CeO.sub.2) and mixtures thereof. Preferably, said support is silicon dioxide.

[0117] The support can be a zeolite. Zeolites are substances having a crystalline structure and a unique ability to change ions. People skilled in the art can easily understand how to obtain those zeolites by preparation method reported, such as zeolite L is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,023 or commercial purchase, such as ZSM available from ZEOLYST.

[0118] The support can also be Kieselguhr, clay or carbon and preferably carbon.

[0119] The supported catalysts used in the method according to the present invention include those commercially available, such as Ru/C from Johnson Matthey.

[0120] The halogen, acting as a dopant, may preferably be Br.

[0121] The halogen source can be organic or inorganic halogen source.

[0122] Examples of halogen source can be: [0123] Halobenzene, such as chlorobenzene and bromobenzene; [0124] Elemental halogen, such as Cl.sub.2, Br.sub.2; [0125] Haloalkane, such as 1-bromohexadecane; [0126] Ammonium halide, such as NH.sub.4Cl and NH.sub.4Br; [0127] Alkali metal halide, such as KCl, KBr, NaCl and NaBr.

[0128] Advantageously, the halogen may be present in amount from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %, more preferably 0.5 wt % to 2 wt % in the supported noble metal catalyst, relative to the total weight of the supported noble metal catalyst with a dopant.

[0129] The loading of halogens is analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). For example, a JEOL Silicon Drift Detector (DrySD60GV, sensor size 60 mm.sup.2) with a solid angle of approximately 0.6 srad has been used for halogens analysis.

[0130] Advantageously, the weight ratio of noble metal to halogen is from 1 to 60 and preferably from 5 to 20.

[0131] The catalyst can be prepared by some well-known ways, such as described in the patent WO 2020/000170 A1. In a typical method, a supported noble metal catalyst, a halogen source and a solvent is mixed in the presence of H.sub.2 under proper reaction temperature for proper time. After reaction, the catalyst was separated, washed and dried.

[0132] The solvents used for preparing the catalyst are not particularly limited. The solvent may be selected from the group consisting of alkane, alkene, arene, halogenated-hydrocarbon, ether, ester, ketone, alcohol, or any combination thereof. Exemplary solvents include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and any combination thereof.

[0133] Advantageously, the solvent is substantially free or completely free of water.

[0134] In some embodiments, the solvent is substantially free of water.

[0135] As used herein, the term substantially free of water when used with reference to the solvent means that the solvent comprises no more than 0.5 wt. %, preferably no more than 0.2 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the solvent.

[0136] In some embodiments, the solvent is completely free of water.

[0137] As used herein, the term completely free of water when used with reference to the solvent means that the solvent comprises no water at all.

[0138] The reaction time for preparing the catalyst may be from 1 to 24 h and preferably from 2 to 10 h.

[0139] The reaction for preparing the catalyst may be carried under a H.sub.2 pressure from 1 and 50 bars, preferably between 2 to 8 bars and more preferably 3 to 7 bars.

[0140] Advantageously, the weight ratio of the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage to the catalyst may be from 1:1 to 100:1 and preferably from 2:1 to 10:1.

[0141] Hydrogen Source

[0142] The hydrogen source can be H.sub.2, NaBH.sub.4 or LiAlH.sub.4 and preferably H.sub.2. When H.sub.2 is used, the cleavage reaction may be carried under a H.sub.2 pressure from 1 and 50 bars, preferably 2 to 8 bars and more preferably 3 to 7 bars.

[0143] Solvent

[0144] The solvents used for the cleavage reaction are not particularly limited. Any solvent has good solubility for the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage can be used. The solvent may be selected from the group consisting of alkane, alkene, arene, halogenated-hydrocarbon, ether, ester, ketone, alcohol, or any combination thereof. Exemplary solvents include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and any combination thereof.

[0145] Preferably, the weight ratio of the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage to the solvent may be from 0.005:1 to 1:1 and preferably from 0.02:1 to 0.1:1.

[0146] Zeolite

[0147] Advantageously, the cleavage reaction may be carried out in the presence of a zeolite having LTA, FAU, BEA, MFI or MOR framework and preferably LTA framework, such as NaA zeolite.

[0148] The weight ratio of the zeolite to the compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage may be from 0.01:1 to 50:1 and preferably from 1:1 to 10:1.

[0149] Reaction Temperature

[0150] The reaction temperature of the cleavage reaction may be from 80 to 250 C. and preferably from 110 to 130 C.

[0151] Reaction Time

[0152] The reaction time of the cleavage reaction may be from 1 to 24 h, preferably from 3 to 10 h, and more preferably 4 to 7 h.

[0153] Compared with the methods previously reported for this type of reaction, the method according to the present invention has several advantages, including: [0154] a) higher selectivity and/or yield(preferably both) towards aromatic compounds; [0155] b) mild operating conditions, such as lower reaction temperature and H.sub.2 gas pressure; [0156] c) the catalyst used therein can be reused several times (at least 3 times) without significant losses in the catalytic efficiency.

[0157] In some preferred embodiments, such as when BrRu/C is used, it is possible to selectively cleave CO bond in the COC linkage without or almost without hydrogenation of aromatic rings.

[0158] By almost without is meant that less than 20 mole percentage and preferably less than 5 mole percentage of aromatic rings in the compound is subject to further hydrogenation.

[0159] The present invention provides a mixture comprising: [0160] i. a compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage; [0161] ii. a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine; [0162] iii. a hydrogen source; [0163] iv. optionally a solvent; [0164] v. optionally a zeolite having LTA, FAU, BEA, MFI or MOR framework.

[0165] The compound comprising an aromatic ring and a COC linkage, the catalyst, the hydrogen source, the solvent and the zeolite are as defined above.

[0166] The following examples are included to illustrate embodiments of the invention. Needless to say, the invention is not limited to described examples.

[0167] Experimental Part

[0168] Materials

[0169] Commercial 5 wt. % Ru/C, 5 wt. % Ru/SiO.sub.2, and 5 wt. % Pd/C catalyst were purchased from Johnson Matthey Chemicals Company. Bromobenzene, chlorobenzene, iodobenzene, methanol, DPE, BPE, DBE, lignin (alkali), and lignosulfonic acid calcium salt were supplied by Sigma-Aldrich company. Lignin (dealkaline) was supplied by TCL chemical company. Air, nitrogen, and hydrogen were supplied by Air Liquide company. Deionized water was obtained from a Millipore system. All chemicals were analytical grade and used as received without further purification.

[0170] Catalyst Preparation:

[0171] 200 mg 5 wt. % Ru/C (or 5 wt. % Ru/SiO.sub.2 or 5 wt. % Pd/C) catalyst, 50 mg bromobenzene, chlorobenzene or iodobenzene, and 5 ml methanol were put together in a 50 ml bath reactor. The reactor was sealed and pressurized with 5 bar of H.sub.2, then heating at 120 C. for 3 hours. After reaction, the catalyst (ClRu/C or BrRu/C or IRu/C or BrRu/SiO.sub.2 or BrPd/C) was separated and washed with methanol for 3 times, and dried at 60 C. in the oven overnight. The amount of Br, Cl, I was measured by EDS. The amount of Br is 1.2 wt. % in BrRu/C, 1.0 wt% in BrRu/SiO.sub.2, 1.3 wt. % in BrPd/C. The amount of Cl is 1.3 wt. % in ClRu/C and the amount of I is 1.4 wt. % in IRu/C.

[0172] Synthesis Procedure of ((1,4-phenylenebis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene))bis((4-methoxyphenyl)methanone)

[0173] 1.26 g (82.2 mmol, 2 equiv.) of p-methoxybenzoic acid and 1.12 g (41.1 mmol, 1 equiv.) of 1,1-diphenoxybenzene were weighed in a 120 mL Schlenk (40.80 g) of Eaton's reagent previously prepared by dissolving 7.7% w/w of P.sub.2O.sub.5 in methanesulfonic acid were introduced. The resulting mixture stirred for 60 hours at room temperature. The medium was then neutralized with a 1 N NaOH solution at 0 C. The precipitate was filtered under vacuum and washed with water. A mass of 1.93 g of a pink sold was obtained with a yield of 88%.

[0174] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 3.89 (s, 6H), 6.96-6.98 (m, 4H), 7.04-7.06 (m, 4H), 7.13 (s, 4H), 7.78-7.82 (m, 8H).

[0175] .sup.13C NMR (75.5 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 55.51 (2 C), 113.57 (4 C), 117.03 (4 C), 121.60 (4 C), 132.17-132.34 (4 C).

[0176] IR: 1639 cm.sup.1, 1599 cm.sup.1, 1501 cm.sup.1, 1414 cm.sup.1, 1306 cm.sup.1, 1291 cm.sup.1.

[0177] Example 1:

[0178] 50 mg BrRu/C, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heated at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The main products are mono-aromatics: benzene (Bez), phenol (PhOH) and trace amount of anisole. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 1. The main by-products are cyclohexane (CHE), cyclohexanol (CHOH), dicyclohexyl ether (CHOCH) and (cyclohexyloxy)-benzene (CHOBez). FIG. 1 shows the conversion of DPE and selectivity to benzene, phenol and mono-aromatics. FIG. 3 shows the evolution of conversion of DPE and yield to different products with the reaction time.

[0179] Comparative Example 1:

[0180] This example was performed in the same way as Example 1 except the catalyst is replaced by 5 wt. % Ru/C. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 1. FIG. 2 shows the conversion of DPE and selectivity to benzene, phenol and mono-aromatics.

[0181] Example 2:

[0182] The stability of BrRu/C catalyst was tested by hydrogenolysis of DPE at 120 C. and 5 bar of H.sub.2 with 50 mg of BrRu/C, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol in three consecutive cycles with intermediate separation of the catalyst. As shown by FIG. 4, the catalyst demonstrates comparable activity in DPE transformation without obvious decrease for 2 and 3 cycles. The selectivity curves in FIG. 5 are very similar for all three cycles with the continuous high selectivity to benzene and phenol. It indicates the same state of the BrRu/C catalyst during reaction.

[0183] Example 3:

[0184] 50 mg ClRu/C, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 1.

[0185] Comparative Example 2:

[0186] 50 mg I-Ru/C, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Selectivity Yield Catalyst Conv. (%) Bez PhOH Bez + PhOH Bez PhOH Bez + PhOH Ru/C 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 IRu/C 0.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 ClRu/C 100 8.9 9.7 18.6 8.9 9.7 18.6 BrRu/C 100 49.6 49.8 99.4 49.6 49.8 99.4

[0187] Example 4:

[0188] 50 mg BrRu/SiO.sub.2, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 2.

[0189] Comparative Example 3:

[0190] 50 mg 5 wt. % Ru/SiO.sub.2, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Selectivity(%) Yield(%) Catalyst Conv. (%) Bez PhOH Bez + PhOH Bez PhOH Bez + PhOH Ru/SiO.sub.2 47.7 5.1 4.6 9.7 2.4 2.2 4.6 BrRu/SiO.sub.2 18.6 48.4 47.6 96 9.0 8.9 17.9

[0191] Example 5:

[0192] 50 mg BrPd/C, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 3.

[0193] Comparative Example 4:

[0194] 50 mg 5 wt. % Pd/C, 100 mg DPE, and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The selectivities and yields of Bez and PhOH are shown in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Selectivity(%) Yield(%) Catalyst Conv. (%) Bez PhOH Bez + PhOH Bez PhOH Bez + PhOH Pd/C 38.9 2.3 0.6 2.9 0.9 0.2 1.1 BrPd/C 27.3 7.2 17.4 24.6 2.0 4.8 6.8

[0195] Example 6:

[0196] 50 mg BrRu/C, 100 mg (benzyloxy)benzene (BPE), and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 3 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The products are cyclohexane (CHE), benzene (Bez), methylcyclohexane (MCHE), toluene (TL), cyclohexanol (CHOH), phenol (PhOH), cyclohexylmethanol (CHMOH), benzyl alcohol (BezMOH), (cyclohexylmethoxy)cyclohexane (CHOMCH), ((cyclohexyloxy)methyl)benzene (CHOMBez) and (cyclohexylmethoxy)benzene (BezOMCH) in Scheme 1.

##STR00015##

[0197] FIG. 6 shows the conversion of BPE and selectivity to various products. When BrRu/C was used, the higher selectivity (above 85%) of aromatic products was obtained.

[0198] Example 7:

[0199] 50 mg BrRu/C, 100 mg dibenzyl ether (DBE) and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The products are methyl cyclohexane (MCHE), toluene (TL), cyclohexylmethanol (CHMOH), and (oxybis(methylene))dicyclohexane (CHMOMCH) in Scheme 2.

##STR00016##

[0200] Example 8:

[0201] 50 mg BrRu/C, 100 mg dibenzyl ether (DBE), 5 g methanol and 1 g NaA zeolite were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The products are methyl cyclohexane (MCHE), toluene (TL), cyclohexylmethanol (CHMOH), and (oxybis(methylene))dicyclohexane (CHMOMCH) in Scheme 2.

[0202] Comparative Example 5:

[0203] 50 mg Ru/C, 100 mg dibenzyl ether (DBE) and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity. The products are methylcyclohexane (MCHE), toluene (TL), cyclohexylmethanol (CHMOH), and (oxybis(methylene))dicyclohexane (CHMOMCH) in Scheme 2.

[0204] FIG. 7 shows the conversion of DBE and selectivity to various products. When BrRu/C was used, the higher selectivity (above 38.5%) of aromatic products was obtained. In the case when the NaA zeolite was used as water scavenger in the reaction mixture, the higher selectivity (above 81.4%) of aromatic products was obtained.

[0205] Example 9:

[0206] 50 mg BrRu/C, 100 mg ((1,4-phenylenebis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene))bis((4-methoxyphenyl)methanone), and 5 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 120 C. for 3 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with a normalization method for quantity.

##STR00017##

[0207] The products are (4-hydroxyphenyl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone, (4-methoxyphenyl)(4-phenoxyphenyl)methanone, benzene, phenol, (4-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone, (4-methoxyphenyl)-(phenyl)methanone, hydroquinone, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, cyclohexane-1,4-diol in Scheme 3. It is expected that selectivity and/or yield towards aromatic products will be obtained by this reaction.

[0208] Example 10:

[0209] 50 mg BrRu/C, 50 mg lignin (alkali) and 10 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 180 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with biphenyl as internal standard. It is expected that selectivity and/or yield towards aromatic products will be obtained by this reaction.

[0210] Example 11:

[0211] 50 mg BrRu/C, 50 mg lignosulfonic acid calcium salt and 10 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 180 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with biphenyl as internal standard. It is expected that selectivity and/or yield towards aromatic products will be obtained by this reaction.

[0212] Example 12:

[0213] 50 mg BrRu/C, 50 mg 1 lignin (dealkaline) and 10 g methanol were put together in a 50 ml batch reactor. Then, pressurized 5 bar of H.sub.2, and heating at 180 C. for 6 h. The products were analyzed by GC and GC-MS, with biphenyl as internal standard. It is expected that selectivity and/or yield towards aromatic products will be obtained by this reaction.