Cumene to phenol conversion though bromine radicals generated via visible light
Princeton Docket # 24-4112-1
Phenol is a vital organic compound widely used in various industries, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Researchers at Princeton University have developed a groundbreaking method for generating phenols from cumene that addresses significant limitations of traditional conversion processes. Conventional methods, which are typically reliant on high temperatures and pressures, lead to substantial energy consumption, low yields, and unwanted by-products. The new approach uses visible light to activate an eosin Y catalyst, allowing the reaction to occur under milder conditions. This innovation results in a lower energy input, significantly reducing operational costs and the environmental footprint associated with phenol production.
The method achieves higher yields from the same number of reactants, generates fewer by-products, and simplifies downstream processing, enhancing overall efficiency. By promoting sustainability using visible light, this process aligns with green chemistry principles. The eosin Y catalyst operates effectively under these mild conditions, improving its stability and lifespan. In contrast to the traditional cumene hydroperoxide route, which is energy-intensive and generates various by-products, this newly developed method positions itself as a more efficient and sustainable alternative in the chemical manufacturing landscape.
Applications • Cumene conversion to phenol
Advantages • Increased phenol yield and reaction efficiency • Lower required energy input • No waste by-products created
Stage of development
Researchers at Princeton University have successfully developed a visible-light-driven method for generating phenols from cumene, demonstrating enhanced efficiency and sustainability compared to traditional high-temperature processes, with higher yields and fewer by-products.
Inventors
Erin E. Stache Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Chemistry at Princeton University where her lab specializes in organic chemistry, photochemistry and inorganic chemistry. She received her Ph.D. from the university of Colorado State University.
Sewon Oh is a 5th year Ph.D. student conducting research in Stache Lab. He received his B.S.in chemistry with a strong interest in polymer science. He currently attends Cornell University.
Hanning Jiang is a 4th year Chemistry Ph.D. student who graduated from her undergraduate from Purdue University. She joined the Stache Lab with aspirations of finding solutions to reduce plastic pollution.
Intellectual Property & Development status
Patent protection is pending.
Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.
Contact
Prabhpreet Gill
Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing • (609)258-3653 • psgill@princeton.edu