This invention relates to the field of
indigo synthesis technology, specifically a method for synthesizing 6-chloro-7-fluoroindigo, including intermediate synthesis. 470 mL of water is added to a reaction flask, followed by the sequential addition of 5.5 mL of concentrated
sulfuric acid, 28.64 g of
hydroxylamine hydrochloride, 25 g of
chloral hydrate, and 20 g of 3-chloro-2-fluoroaniline under stirring. After a white
solid precipitates, 100-200 g of
anhydrous sodium sulfate is added, and the mixture is heated to
reflux for 1.5 hours. After monitoring the remaining
raw material at less than 3% using online HPLC, the mixture is cooled to 0°C and filtered. The
filter cake is recrystallized using an
ethanol-water mixed
solvent. The cyclization reaction utilizes a single or composite
organic sulfonic acid catalyst, or a recyclable
solid acid catalyst, to replace traditional concentrated
sulfuric acid. This method has low equipment requirements, is equipped with
temperature and pressure interlock devices for automatic cooling and pressure relief, and provides mild and safe
reaction conditions, reducing safety risks. Through optimization of the catalyst
system,
reaction temperature, and time, the cyclization yield is increased from 25.4% to over 50%, significantly improving yield and production efficiency.