| OBSERVATION'S |
Question:
I am developing a transition metal alkyl complex using a long alkyl chain alpha olefin. Because I want increased yields, I plan to use your new C26/28 normal alpha olefin (NAO) fraction with its high alpha content. I find prodt yield variability & sometimes it is difficult to drive conversion > 70%. I have sent you a sample of the reaction prodt for analysis. Can you help?
Answer:
When using a moisture/O sensitive metal complex, there are a few critical things to check for to keep the yield as high as possible. Make sure that the reagents & solvents are free of water & O. If the NAO has been previously exposed to air, it may have formed oxygenates such as peroxides & carbonyls & may have absorbed water in ppm levels. Also find out if your complex is T sensitive or decomposes with time
Analysis of your sample by 13C-NMR & GC shows formation of C26-28 dimer & isomerization of the C26-28 NAO. This may be caused by having your metal complex acting as a alpha olefin dimerization catalyst
Also, NAO isomerization to form cis/trans-2-olefins & other internal olefins
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