Alternative routes to the sustainable manufacturing of 1,3-Cyclohexanedione (CHD) Copy Link

Due to business disruption caused by the virus the deadline for this challenge has been extended until 1st May. As things return to normal we would aim to conclude the process by end May.

Founded in 1869, Robinson Brothers is one of the UK's largest independent chemical manufacturers of speciality/fine chemicals and rubber accelerators, offering a wide range of custom manufactured intermediates on a commercial scale from kilograms to multi-tonnes, all produced to the highest possible quality and environmental standards.

1,3-Cyclohexanedione is an organic molecule (see image) with a global demand of 5000 – 7000 tonnes per year. Robinson Brothers are seeking a new route to 1,3-cyclohexanedione which does not utilise resorcinol as a starting material. There is a need to develop and deploy a new synthetic route due to the increased cost and varying availability of the starting material resorcinol. There is currently no UK manufacturer of this material, with current manufacturing only in China and Japan.

1,3-cyclohexanedione

Several routes to 1,3-cyclohexanedione have already been explored including synthesis using enzymatic technology and traditional oxidation and cyclisation chemistry. These approaches have had limited success in forming the CHD molecule but have not proven to be commercially viable due to low yields and complicated isolation.  Robinson Brothers are therefore keen to reach out to innovators, academia, entrepreneurs and consortia that may have either proven methods or ideas for the synthesis of this compound.

Whilst not limiting the technologies from solution providers, it is expected that solutions may come from innovations in some of the following areas:

• Industrial Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology
• Electrosynthesis
• Photosynthesis
• Microwave synthesis
• Cryogenics

Proposed synthesis routes should not contain;

• Explosive chemistry
• Known synthetic routes of 1,3-cyclohexanedione
• Use of isolated resorcinol

Rewards and Benefits

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to the Challenger. The package may also include:

• A potential business collaboration with Robinson Brothers
• Support in the development of pilot scale synthesis
• Funding for a studentship
• Technical support
• Support from the KTN
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)

Solution Requirements

Health and Safety Considerations

• No explosive chemistry
• No high toxicity chemicals

Product Requirements

• 1,3-cyclohexanedione should be isolated as a solid post synthesis

Deployment Timescale

Due to business disruption caused by the virus the deadline for this challenge has been extended until 1st May. As things return to normal we would aim to conclude the process by end May.

• Launch of the Competition: 20^th January
• Deadline for applications: 20^th March - Extended to 1st May 
• Selection and notification of finalists: Week commencing 30^th March
• Pitch day at Robinson Brothers: 7^th and 8^th April - Delayed to Mid May
• Synthesis deployment;
  • Pilot scale demonstration in 2020
  • Full commercial production in 2021

Cost requirement and market opportunity

• The total synthesis cost of production for 1,3–cyclohexanedione should be less than current market value of 25 euros per kg
• The global demand for 1,3-cyclohexanedione is 7000 tonnes per year
• Robinson Brothers is looking to produce 1500 – 2000 tonnes of 1,3-cyclohexanedione a year
• Robinson Brothers have been active in this market for many years with an excellent reputation have access to the customer base

Eligibility and assessment criteria

Entrants to this competition could be:

• Established businesses, startups, SMEs or individual entrepreneurs
• Academic researchers
• Consortia of two or more businesses or researchers
• Priority will be given to UK based solutions

Applications will be assessed on:

• Relevance to the topic
• Innovative nature of the solution
• Feasibility/ economic viability
• Development potential
• Maturity of solution
• Ability to rapidly trial and implement solution
• Price/quality ratio
• Suitability for the UK, European Market and Global Market

IP and Potential Commercial Route

• Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.
• Any commercial deployment of transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.
• Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the Solution Provider(s) and Innovation Challenger.
• Innovate UK and KTN do not take any share of IP ownership or enter into commercial venture through this programme.

If you have any queries about this challenge please contact Sheena Hindocha (sheena.hindocha@ktn-uk.org)