Technology Description

The development of methods to separate molecules (e.g., petrochemicals) are exceedingly important industrially, particularly to purify fuels and polymer precursors. The separation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are especially critical due to their usage in many manufacturing processes. These highly volatile compounds present hazards to human health and the environment, emphasizing the need for separation and sequestration. 

Developments from Prof. Leonard MacGillivray’s laboratory has led to a self-assembled molecule that packs BTEX hydrocarbons with efficiency. Common approaches to separate molecules involve crystallizing an organic molecule that provides an intrinsic cavity or extrinsic cavity. This self-assembled molecule is highly biased to completely enclosed space and can host and pack BTEX hydrocarbons. The components of the host are held together by N→B bonds and form a diboron assembly with a molecular shape that conforms to a T-shaped pentomino. This separation method has the potential to revolutionize the petrochemical industry and lead to reduced hazards when processing BTEX compounds. 

UIRF Case No. 2024-035

Stage of Development

The process is currently being evaluated for patent protection.

• Capable of rejecting xylene isomers, thiophene, and styrene

• Makes use of cavities for selective and useful separations

• Provides an advanced solution for purifying hydrocarbons