Jan 22 2008
Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has received the Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) Award for Technical Development for 2007 for the company’s development of ethyl acetate/acetic acid manufacturing processes using solid heteropolyacid catalysts.
The solid heteropolyacid—consisting of the core of a phosphorus or silicon atom and twelve units of tungsten oxides surrounding the core—is placed on a porous, chemically stable carrier. Using this innovative catalyst, SDK is producing ethyl acetate from ethylene and acetic acid, as well as producing acetic acid by directly oxidizing ethylene.
Through cooperation with academia, SDK has succeeded in improving the catalyst performances and production processes, raising yield and substantially extending the catalyst life. SDK has received the CSJ award owing to its success in commercializing solid heteropolyacid catalysts and promoting research on solid-catalyst-related chemical reactions.
The history of the CSJ dates back to 1878 when its predecessor, the Chemical Society, was established. The mission of the CSJ is to promote research in chemistry and chemical technologies, thereby helping improve people’s lives. As part of its activities, the CSJ annually gives awards to individuals and organizations that produced outstanding achievements in chemical research and technical development.
This year, the CSJ will hold a prize awarding ceremony in Tokyo on March 27, where respective recipients will give presentations describing their achievements.