2-Hydroxyphenyl Benzotriazole Synthesis via Phase-Transfer Catalysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes for preparing 2-hydroxyphenyl alkenyl benzotriazole compounds have unsatisfactory yields and use toxic and environmentally unfriendly solvents, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly method.

Innovation Solution

A two-step process involving etherification of a 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole compound with an alkenyl halide in the presence of a phase-transfer agent and base, followed by a Claisen rearrangement at elevated temperatures, achieving yields greater than 80% and purity greater than 99% without the need for toxic solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current processes are used for preparing 2-hydroxyphenyl alkenyl benzotriazole compounds, then the synthesis can be completed, but the yield is unsatisfactory and toxic solvents are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveyieldVSAvoidtoxic solvents
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters by using a phase-transfer catalyst system with specific bases (alkali metal carbonates or hydroxides) and water-immiscible organic solvents, transforming the reaction conditions to achieve both high yield (>80%) and environmental friendliness. The Claisen rearrangement is performed at elevated temperatures (170-250°C) which improves the yield while the phase-transfer catalysis eliminates the need for toxic solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If current processes are used for preparing 2-hydroxyphenyl alkenyl benzotriazole compounds, then the synthesis can be completed, but the purity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepurityVSAvoidyield
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (170-250°C for Claisen rearrangement), catalyst loading (3-15 mol% phase-transfer catalyst), and base equivalents (0.7-1.5 equivalents) to simultaneously achieve high purity (>99%) and high yield (>80%). The controlled heating rate and reaction time are also optimized to prevent side reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If etherification is performed with alkenyl halide and base, then the intermediate compound is formed, but the reaction requires toxic solvents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidtoxic solvents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phase-transfer catalyst as an intermediary substance that enables the etherification reaction to proceed in water-immiscible organic solvents without requiring toxic solvents. The phase-transfer catalyst facilitates the reaction between the hydroxy compound and alkenyl halide by transferring ions between phases, simplifying the manufacturing process while eliminating harmful solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If Claisen rearrangement is performed at elevated temperatures, then the final product is formed with high yield, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveyieldVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a phase-transfer catalyst as an intermediary to lower the activation energy barrier of the Claisen rearrangement, enabling the reaction to proceed at lower temperatures (170-250°C instead of higher temperatures) while maintaining high yield. This reduces the energy consumption while achieving the desired productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 process enhances the yield and purity of 2-hydroxyphenyl alkenyl benzotriazole compounds while eliminating the use of harmful solvents, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis.

Implementation Method 1

etherification is performed on a 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole compound in water and/or at least one suitable organic solvent by reacting an alkenyl halide in the presence of at least one phase-transfer agent and of at least one base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase-transfer catalysis:

Implementation Method 2

a Claisen rearrangement is performed on the 2-O-alkenylphenylbenzotriazole compound thus obtained, by heating the reaction mixture to a temperature above 170° C. with at least one suitable organic solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClaisen rearrangement:

Data Source

PatentUS9447123B2Process for preparing 2-hydroxyphenyl alkenyl benzotriazole compounds; use of the said compounds obtained via the process in the synthesis of siloxane compounds containing a 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole function
Publication Date: 2016.09.20 LOREAL SA
  • US9447123B2 patent drawing
  • US9447123B2 patent drawing
  • US9447123B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The process for preparing 2-hydroxyphenyl alkenyl benzotriazole compounds and the process for preparing siloxane compounds containing 2-hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole function are disclosed.