The Syensqo company, comprising the solutions, activities and markets represented in the article below, was spun off from Solvay group in December 2023.
Solvay’s phosphine ligands helps manufacturers improve their processes
What do detergents, fuels, pharmaceuticals and polymers have in common? They all rely on catalysis, a process in which a chemical reaction is accelerated by the addition of a specific substance known as a catalyst. Because each operation and production process is unique, various degrees of customization and precision are required to find the optimal catalyst for each reaction that meets yield, grade and cost requirements. This is where Solvay’s phosphine ligands come in.
Phosphine ligands for high-specificity building blocks
A ligand is a molecule that binds to a central metal atom. Phosphine ligands, which were first commercially applied in the 1970s, are used for homogenous catalysis, a reaction in which the catalyst and reactant are in the same phase, generally in solution. By contrast, in heterogeneous catalysis, the catalyst and reactant are in distinct phases, like a solid and a gas. “This is an area of chemistry that’s constantly evolving,” says Eamonn Conrad, Global Business Development Manager for Solvay’s Phosphorus Specialties business. “For example, there have been lots of new discoveries in the petrochemical industry and in life sciences in recent years that we’ve been involved in.”
By providing phosphine ligands to industrial operations, Solvay offers the building blocks for catalysts (and in some cases the catalysts themselves) used to facilitate chemical reactions that enable the production of products of all sorts. “Rather than run-of-the-mill, commodity-type catalysis, these reactions are highly customized for specific processes, which, for example, are used to make the active ingredients in a pharmaceutical drug or for agrochemical products,” explains Bill Stibbs, Senior Business Development Manager for Solvay’s Phosphorus Specialties business.
Customers will spot a ligand that works for their process, and we’ll help them develop the ligand at an industrial scale. There are thousands of phosphine ligands, and only a few dozen are used industrially.
Depending on the feedstock employed and the grade of material you wish to obtain, traditional catalytic processes, such as those that are heterogeneous, aren’t always efficient enough. Phosphine ligands for homogeneous catalysis can be used to tailor the chemical stream in order to increase its value or to remove contaminants. “Phosphine ligand-based catalysts will target desired molecules. By tweaking the components of the catalyst, you can improve the reaction by obtaining either a higher yield or selectivity,” details Bill. “The more innovative companies are constantly looking to optimize and customize their processes.”
Innovation is driven by both economic and sustainability considerations. In some cases, homogenous catalysis using phosphine ligands will enable manufacturers to capture more value from their feedstock, and in certain industries, such as petrochemicals, environmental concerns are driving the need for more efficient, less energy and emissions-intensive processes.
Taking innovations to an industrial scale
No matter what’s driving its customers’ needs, Solvay works hand-in-hand with them to develop phosphine ligands for new applications and new methods for using them. “For us, the innovation is in the making of the molecule,” says Eamonn. “Sometimes, new molecules are discovered and old processes won’t do. That’s when we step up and help manufacturers apply a homogenous catalysis process that works for them.”
“Customers will spot a ligand that works for their process, and we’ll help them develop the ligand at an industrial scale if needed,” adds Bill. “There are literally thousands of phosphine ligands that exist, and only a few dozen are used industrially.”
Conversely, Solvay’s Phosphorus Specialties team is constantly developing new products, improving capabilities and trying to understand new systems to come up with solutions. There will always be innovations to cater to and increasingly complex needs to be met. “We want to make sure we’re prepared and ready to produce the ligands our customers might need in the future,” says Bill.
The fuel, the pharmaceuticals and the detergents of tomorrow can count on Solvay’s dedication to serving industrial innovations across the board.
