Metal-organic framework for the separation of alkane isomers

摘要

A metal organic framework Fe2(bdp)3 (BDP2−=1,4-benzenedipyrazolate) with triangular channels is particularly suited for C5-C7 separations of alkanes according to the number of branches in the molecule rather than by carbon number. The metal-organic framework can offer pore geometries that is unavailable in zeolites or other porous media, facilitating distinct types of shape-based molecular separations.

主权项

1. A method of separating alkane isomer mixtures, the method comprising:
(a) providing a source of alkane isomers; (b) streaming the alkane isomers through a separator bed of Fe2(BDP)3 to separate the alkane isomers according to the degree of branching; (c) collecting di-branched isomers separated from the stream of alkane isomers; and (d) collecting mono-branched and linear alkanes separated from the stream of alkane isomers.