Amino Acid Ester Synthesis via Non-Corrosive Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for producing amino acid aminoalkyl esters or inorganic acid salts faces challenges due to the corrosion risk from hydrogen chloride gas and low reaction efficiency, particularly in the latter stages of the esterification reaction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reaction of specific compounds in the presence of organic or inorganic acid catalysts with a normal boiling point above 0°C, where the acid used for catalysis is the same as the acid forming the salt, and the use of an inert agent for azeotropic distillation to remove water byproduct, avoiding acid distillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen chloride is used as a catalyst in the esterification reaction, then the reaction can proceed, but hydrogen chloride gas is distilled off together with water produced in the reaction, leading to corrosion of the reaction container and lines
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful hydrogen chloride catalyst is extracted and replaced with a non-corrosive alternative (carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid), eliminating the corrosion problem while maintaining catalytic function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily available carboxylic acids or sulfonic acids as catalysts instead of hydrogen chloride, providing a cost-effective and non-corrosive alternative that can be easily handled and disposed of without special corrosion-resistant equipment
2Productivity
If hydrogen chloride gas is supplied to the reaction system and water is removed to improve conversion, then reaction efficiency improves, but the process becomes complex and requires acid distillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the catalyst from gaseous (HCl) to liquid (carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid), eliminating the need for gas handling equipment and acid distillation processes while maintaining high reaction conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid) that mediates the esterification reaction without requiring complex gas-phase catalyst handling or distillation equipment, simplifying the overall process
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
This approach enables the production of amino acid aminoalkyl esters or inorganic acid salts in high yield without acid distillation, mitigating corrosion risks and improving reaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
reacting: a compound represented by general formula (I) shown below or a compound represented by general formula (III) shown below, or a salt thereof, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formula (IV-I) shown below, compounds represented by general formula (IV-II) shown below, compounds represented by general formula (IV-III) shown below and compounds represented by general formula (IV-IV) shown below, or an inorganic acid salt thereof in the presence of an acid catalyst
Implementation Method 2
the use of an inert agent for azeotropic distillation to remove water byproduct
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for producing an amino acid aminoalkyl ester or an inorganic acid salt thereof by reacting a compound represented by general formula (I) shown below or a compound represented by general formula (III) shown below, or a salt thereof, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formula (IV-I) shown below, compounds represented by general formula (IV-II) shown below, compounds represented by general formula (IV-III) shown below and compounds represented by general formula (IV-IV) shown below, or an inorganic acid salt thereof.