4 the state of science in south africa
C H E M I S T R Y
while dehydration is a relatively simple 4.10 Future challenges and
reaction, it is achieved over acid catalysts
concluding remarks
which also catalyse the isomerisation of
the double bond. Terminal selectivity is
unique feature of South African
therefore difficult to achieve and main-
academic research is the evaluation
tain, and careful selection of catalyst
A process adopted and administered
and operating conditions is required
by the NRF, whereby academics at tertiary
to maintain the required 95% 1-octene
institutions are evaluated on the basis of
selectivity.
the quality of their research outputs over
l During research initially targeting selec-
long timeframes (see Chapter 1). A current
tive trimerisation for 1-hexene produc-
disturbing aspect in respect of the proc-
tion, Sasol scientists discovered a new
ess, and of concern to many, is the average
reaction: selective ethylene tetram-
age profile of the higher-rated researchers,
erisation. This reaction proceeds via a
with many having recently retired or being
hitherto unknown reaction mechanism,
relatively close to retirement. This scenario
and has elicited intense interest from
applies to most scientific disciplines, with
both academia and industry, with many
chemistry being no exception. The chal-
researchers attempting to follow Sasol’s
lenge is to find ways of reversing the trend,
lead. Intense research is ongoing within
and in particular to attract quality gradu-
Sasol to further develop this process
ates into academic chemistry once again.
and strengthen its patent portfolio, with
a view to commercialisation of a third
Sourcing research funding will be a further
proprietary 1-octene technology.
major challenge for researchers. With the
world, including South Africa, experienc-
In summary, Sasol has long recognised that ing a major recession, funding is likely to
technology advantage is critical in order to become constrained. Although the DST,
enable business growth. Although Sasol’s through its various initiatives, has created
R&D capability is not large in a global con- new funding opportunities, these are most-
text, it is very significant for a South African ly in respect of targeted programmes. As a
company. Furthermore, the vast majority of consequence, research proposals will have
Sasol’s R&D employees are South African- to be designed to meet the requirements
born and -trained. In this context it should of the sponsorship, rather than researchers
be noted that over the period 2006-2008, independently designing programmes and
R70.6 million was allocated by Sasol to se- subsequently seeking funding for them. For
lected South African universities under the this and a variety of other reasons, much of
University Collaboration Scheme. chemistry research will take place as com-
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