Student Andrey Ivanov commended at 34th Mendeleev Competition for Chemistry Students

At the competition, Andrey Ivanov presented his work related to the creation of import-substituting highly selective catalytic systems for the industrial process of ethylene trimerization to produce hexene-1. The topic of his work is Electrochemically synthesized 2-ethylhexanoate of chromium (III) as an import-substituting highly selective pre-catalyst for the reaction of homogeneous oligomerization of ethylene to produce hexene-1.

“In this work, our research group has shown a fundamentally new method of catalyst synthesis based on electrochemical principles. We have, firstly, shown that such a method is realizable, and secondly – that the products of electrosynthesis demonstrate good catalytic activity,” the student explained.

In his opinion, the development of catalysts for the production of hexene-1 is an important task for the Russian industry, and its solution will make it possible to produce full self-sufficiency in hexene-1 for many important market sectors.

Ivanov learned about the competition from his supervisor.

“It seemed to me that it would be quite interesting to take part in it: to see the work of participants from other regions of Russia and discuss my work,” he shared.

In addition to the first degree diploma, the chemist received a special prize from the jury named after Prof. Heinrich Ehrlich for his fundamental research with a real prospect of practical application. He also won the right to undergo an internship at Sibur Holding.

“I received the special prize due to the fact that my work flowed smoothly from fundamental research on electrochemical processes to industrially significant catalytic properties of products of such electrochemical processes,” the winner commented.

Fundamental science, as Andrey recalls, fascinated him in the 7th grade, and in the 8th grade he began to actively participate in various competitions in chemistry.

“I chose the Institute of Chemistry largely due to the highly equipped laboratories, where they are engaged in research interesting to me, a large number of acquaintances and friends already studying here, as well as good teaching,” he emphasized.

In the future, Ivanov plans to enroll in graduate school and continue his research.