Comparison of two nanofiltration membrane reactors for a model reaction of olefin metathesis achieved in toluene

The recent commercialisation of nanofiltration membranes resistant toward organic solvents is a real opportunity for fine chemistry. This study deals with different ways of integration of organic solvent nanofiltration for a specific type of reactions known as olefin metathesis and shows the use of two nanofiltration membrane reactors both running in cross-flow filtration mode (0.1 m s−1). They are used either in semi-continuous or continuous mode. A model ring closing metathesis reaction is chosen for the demonstration. A commercially available pre-catalyst, namely Grubbs-Hoveyda II, as well as a commercial polyimide membrane (Starmem 122, MWCO 220 g mol−1) are used. Firstly, nanofiltration of the single pre-catalyst allows establishing that the highest retention is obtained with a 40 bar pressure. Secondly, this pressure is used with the two membrane reactors before testing other conditions. Finally, interests and limitations of the two reactors are discussed.