Operational parameters relevant to the examination of phosgene synthesis catalysis

Hughes, R., Rossi, G. E. and Lennon, D. (2023) Operational parameters relevant to the examination of phosgene synthesis catalysis. Reaction Chemistry and Engineering, 8(12), pp. 3150-3161. (doi: 10.1039/D3RE00354J)

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Abstract

Large-scale phosgene synthesis, as encountered within isocyanate manufacturing chains, is typically performed by the reaction of carbon monoxide and dichlorine over an activated carbon catalyst. A modified micro-reactor arrangement is described that is used to evaluate the effectiveness of different catalyst formulations. The approach adopted is to utilise diluted gas streams and relatively low operational temperatures (300-500 K); arrangements that afford good temperature control of the exothermic reaction. The article addresses the operational constraints concerning gas handling procedures that ensure avoidance of gas mixtures that fall within explosive limits. A methodology to determine mass balance profiles for the hazardous reaction system is additionally described. Following on from previous studies that exclusively investigated the suitability of a particular activated carbon formulation as a phosgene synthesis catalyst, this study concentrates on Norit RX3 Extra as a generic activated carbon that finds wide application in industrial applications. Mass transport issues are assessed and indicate the reaction system to be operating free from diffusion limitations, enabling kinetic measurements to be undertaken. An activation energy for phosgene synthesis of 43.0 ± 1.1 kJ mol⁻¹ is determined, consistent with the reaction being under chemical control.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The EPSRC are thanked for the provision of a Ph.D. studentship (RH, EP/R513222/1 and EP/T517896/1).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lennon, Professor David and Hughes, Mr Rory and Rossi, Dr Giovanni Enrico
Authors: Hughes, R., Rossi, G. E., and Lennon, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Reaction Chemistry and Engineering
Publisher:Royal Society of Chemistry
ISSN:2058-9883
ISSN (Online):2058-9883
Published Online:25 August 2023
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2023 The Royal Society of Chemistry
First Published:First published in Reaction Chemistry and Engineering 8(12):3150-3161
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license
Data DOI:10.5525/gla.researchdata.1489

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
305200DTP 2018-19 University of GlasgowMary Beth KneafseyEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/R513222/1MVLS - Education Hub
312561EPSRC DTP 2020/21Christopher PearceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/T517896/1Research and Innovation Services