KTN-iX posts two new challenges from the Chemistry and Industrial Biotechnology sector

Solutions sought for new synthetic routes for resorcinol and 1,3-Cyclohexanedione

Two new challenges have been posted on KTN-iX with Robinson Brothers looking for solutions to live industry problems.

 

Robinson Brothers is one of the UK’s largest independent manufactures of fine chemicals and rubber accelerators. The company is working with KTN using the KTN-ix online platform to find solutions to two problems – finding¬†new synthetic routes for resorcinol and 1,3-Cyclohexanedione (CHD).

 

KTN-iX is an online platform that promotes innovation transfer, matching real industry challenges from large companies (Tier 1 and 2) to organisations, often from other sectors, who have innovative technology and can facilitate faster development of novel solutions to those challenges. The solution to challenges could come from diverse sectors – the transfer of skills and knowledge from other sectors is a key driver for the platform.

 

The current challenges are:

Alternative routes to the safe and sustainable manufacturing of resorcinol

Resorcinol is an organic molecule with a global demand of 80,000 tonnes per year, it is thought there is a current production gap of 28,000 tonne per year. Robinson Brothers are seeking new routes to resorcinol which are safer and more sustainable than current synthesis methods: the current production of resorcinol is considered to be hazardous. There is a need to develop and deploy a new synthetic route due to the increased cost and varying availability of the material. There is currently no UK manufacturer of resorcinol, with current manufacturing only in China and Japan.

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

1,3-Cyclohexanedione is an organic molecule with a global demand of 5,000–7,000 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.

 

Robinson Brothers are looking for innovators, academia, entrepreneurs and consortia that may have either proven methods or ideas for the synthesis of these compounds.

 

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Robinson Brothers. 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)

 

The deadline for both challenges is 20 March.  To find out more and submit a response, visit KTN-iX here.