Alpha,alpha-disubstituted carboxylic acid esters for aroma chemicals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for new synthetic aroma chemicals with pleasant organoleptic properties, specifically odor-intensive substances that can be easily manufactured from readily available starting materials, are cost-effective, and are free from toxicological concerns, to address the limitations of natural fragrances which are expensive, limited in supply, and sensitive to environmental fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

The use of α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid esters or their mixtures, specifically compounds of formula (I) with defined alkyl and alkenyl radicals, as aroma chemicals to modify the scent character of fragranced compositions, offering pleasant odors and compatibility with other fragrances, and can be produced in high yields and purities through simple synthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If natural fragrances are used, then pleasant organoleptic properties are achieved, but high cost and limited supply occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganoleptic propertiesVSAvoidsupply
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates synthetic aroma chemicals that copy the desirable organoleptic properties of natural fragrances. The compounds of formula (I) are designed to reproduce pleasant odors and sensory profiles similar to natural fragrances, thereby providing a reliable alternative that does not suffer from the supply limitations and high costs of natural sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs synthetic compounds that can be produced economically and in large quantities. These synthetic aroma chemicals serve as cost-effective alternatives to expensive natural fragrances, enabling widespread use without the constraints of natural supply limitations.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If synthetic aroma chemicals are developed, then cost-effectiveness and availability are improved, but difficulty in finding substances with desired sensory properties occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidsensory property identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies structural parameters of the carboxylic acid ester compounds (formula (I)) to achieve desired sensory properties. By changing alkyl groups, chain lengths, and molecular configurations, the inventors optimize both the sensory characteristics and the ease of manufacturing, making the search for desirable aroma profiles more efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent focuses on specific structural features of the molecules (such as the α,α-disubstituted configuration and specific alkyl group combinations) that locally determine the sensory properties. This targeted approach to molecular design enables systematic optimization of aroma characteristics while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If new aroma chemicals are created, then novel sensory profiles are achieved, but complexity of synthesis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensory profile diversityVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal synthetic route for producing diverse aroma chemicals with novel sensory profiles. The compounds of formula (I) can be prepared through a common synthesis pathway that accommodates various alkyl substitutions, enabling the creation of multiple aroma variants without proportionally increasing synthesis complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11542221B2α, α-disubstituted carboxylic acid esters for use as aroma chemicals
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 BASF SE
  • US11542221B2 patent drawing
  • US11542221B2 patent drawing
  • US11542221B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of an α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid ester of the general formula (I) wherein the variables are as defined in the claims and the description, or of mixtures of two or more of these α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid esters or of a stereoisomer thereof or of a mixture of two or more stereoisomers thereof as aroma chemicals; to the use thereof for modifying the scent character of a fragranced composition; to an aroma chemical composition containing an α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid ester of the general formula (I) or a mixture of two or more of said α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid esters or of a stereoisomer thereof or of a mixture of two or more stereoisomers thereof; and to a method of preparing a fragranced composition or for modifying the scent character of a fragranced composition. The invention further relates to specific mixtures of α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid esters of the general formula (I).