Aminaphtone Preparation via Catalytic Hydrogenation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process for preparing aminaphtone is unsuitable for industrial scale due to the use of toxic solvents and drastic conditions, resulting in low purity and rapid formation of impurities, particularly oxidized products.

Innovation Solution

A process involving catalytic hydrogenation of the compound of formula (II) in dioxolane using palladium on carbon with 10-50% water as a catalyst under low pressure and mild temperature conditions, reducing reaction time and minimizing impurity formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If catalytic hydrogenation is conducted under high pressure and with anhydrous catalyst as in prior art, then reaction rate is improved, but oxidized impurity formation increases and purity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidpurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the water content parameter of the catalyst from anhydrous (0% water) to containing 10-50% water, and reduces hydrogen pressure from high pressure to low pressure (1-5 atm). These parameter changes simultaneously maintain high reaction rate and prevent oxidized impurity formation, achieving >95% purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dioxolane as an inert solvent that provides a protective atmosphere during hydrogenation, preventing oxidation of the aminaphtone product while allowing the reaction to proceed efficiently under mild conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Productivity

If toxic solvents and drastic conditions are used as in prior art, then reaction efficiency is improved, but safety and regulatory compliance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction efficiencyVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces toxic solvents with non-toxic dioxolane and changes reaction conditions from drastic (high pressure, high temperature) to mild (low pressure 1-5 atm, ambient to reflux temperature). This maintains reaction efficiency while eliminating toxicity concerns and improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If reaction time is extended to ensure complete hydrogenation, then conversion is improved, but oxidized impurity formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconversionVSAvoidpurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The use of dioxolane as an inert solvent creates a protective environment that prevents oxidation during the hydrogenation reaction, allowing the reaction to proceed to complete conversion without forming oxidized impurities even at extended reaction times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

Achieves high purity aminaphtone (>98%) with reduced reaction times and lower toxicity solvents, enhancing safety and compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.

Implementation Method 1

catalytic hydrogenation, under low pressure of hydrogen, of the compound of formula (II) in presence of a catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalytic hydrogenation: Hydrogenation

Implementation Method 2

said catalyst is palladium on carbon with 10% to 50% of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP2390246B1Process for the preparation of aminaphtone
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 LAB BALDACCI
  • EP2390246B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2390246B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2390246B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Herein described is a new process for the preparation of aminaphtone with high purity. Said process uses solvents with low toxicity, mild reaction conditions - such as temperature and pressure - within a short time.