Alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate Synthesis via Reflux Esterification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate are lacking, and there is a need for an efficient method to produce this compound with high yield and purity, particularly for improving the moisture-proof and flame-retardant properties of water-borne polyacrylate additives.

Innovation Solution

An esterification reaction between 2-halo-2,2-difluoro acetic acid and an alkynol, catalyzed by sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or p-toluenesulfonic acid, is performed in a solvent under reflux conditions to produce alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate, with continuous water separation and controlled reaction parameters to achieve high yield and purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional esterification methods are used to prepare alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate, then the reaction can proceed, but the product yield and purity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct yieldVSAvoidproduct purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including using a molar ratio of 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetic acid to alkynol of 1:1.2-1:5, reaction temperature of 60-130°C, and reaction time of 5-15 hours. The catalyst dosage is controlled at 0.01-0.1 mass ratio relative to the acid. These parameter optimizations achieve product yields of 95.0%-98.8% and purities of 99.3%-99.8%.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs catalysts (sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or p-toluenesulfonic acid) as intermediaries to facilitate the esterification reaction between 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetic acid and alkynol. The catalyst enables the reaction to proceed efficiently under milder conditions, achieving high yield and purity without requiring extreme temperatures or pressures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex preparation methods are used to achieve high yield and purity, then product quality improves, but the process complexity and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct purityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-service water separation mechanism where water produced during esterification is continuously removed from the reaction system. This drives the equilibrium toward product formation without requiring additional purification steps, achieving 99.3%-99.8% purity through the reaction process itself rather than post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses common, inexpensive catalysts such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or p-toluenesulfonic acid that can be easily handled and disposed of. These catalysts enable high-yield synthesis without requiring complex or expensive specialized reagents, simplifying the overall process while maintaining product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method achieves a high product yield of 95.0%-98.8% and high purity of 99.3%-99.8%, making it simple, environmentally friendly, and suitable for modifying polyacrylate additives with improved hydrophobicity and flame-retardant properties.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting a 2-halo-2,2-difluoro acetic acid, an alkynol, and a catalyst to an esterification reaction in a solvent, to obtain alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate, wherein the catalyst includes one or more of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the esterification reaction is carried out under reflux condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflux: Boiling

Implementation Method 3

during the esterification reaction, the water produced by the esterification reaction is continuously separated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS11242307B1Method for preparing alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate
Publication Date: 2022.02.08 HANGZHOU TRANSFAR FINE CHEM CO LTD
  • US11242307B1 patent drawing
  • US11242307B1 patent drawing
  • US11242307B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for preparing alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate is disclosed. The method comprises: subjecting a 2-halo-2,2-difluoro acetic acid, an alkynol, and a catalyst to an esterification reaction in a solvent, to obtain alkynyl 2-halo-2,2-difluoroacetate, wherein the catalyst includes one or more of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid.