Integrated Beta-Lactone Process for Nitrile Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for integrated methods and systems in the industrial production of nitriles and nitrile precursors that utilize inexpensive and renewable feedstocks, consolidate multiple synthetic operations, and avoid costly purification of intermediates, while operating under mild reaction conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves combining a hydroxypropanamide stream with a dehydration agent in the presence of a solvent and ammonia to produce unsaturated amide and/or nitrile products. This process includes carbonylating an epoxide with carbon monoxide to produce a beta lactone, which is then reacted with ammonia to form hydroxypropanamide, and subsequently dehydrated to yield the desired nitrile or amide products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If catalytic ammoxidation of propylene is used to produce acrylonitrile, then nitrile products can be obtained, but harsh reaction conditions and costly reagents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction parameters by using beta-lactone as a milder alternative feedstock compared to propylene ammoxidation, enabling nitrile production under less severe conditions while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive renewable feedstocks such as beta-lactone derived from biological sources, replacing costly conventional reagents and achieving cost-effective nitrile production
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple synthetic operations are performed separately, then each reaction can be optimized, but costly purification of intermediates is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple synthetic operations into an integrated one-pot process where beta-lactone ring-opening, amide formation, and nitrile dehydration occur sequentially in a single reactor, eliminating intermediate purification steps while maintaining reaction optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous sequential reactions where the product of one step serves as the substrate for the next step without interruption or isolation, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the synthesis pathway
3Productivity
If conventional feedstocks are used, then industrial production can proceed, but expensive and non-renewable resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive renewable feedstocks including beta-lactone from biological sources and carbon monoxide, replacing expensive non-renewable petroleum-based feedstocks while maintaining industrial production capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal renewable feedstocks that can serve multiple purposes - beta-lactone serves as both a chemical intermediate and a renewable resource, enabling sustainable industrial production
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 efficient production of nitriles and nitrile precursors from renewable sources under mild conditions, reducing costs and environmental impact while improving process integration and product yield.
Implementation Method 1
The beta lactone may be prepared by contacting carbon monoxid with an epoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst
Implementation Method 2
combining a hydroxyprop amide stream comprising a hydroxypropanamide with a dehydration agent to produce a product stream comprising an unsaturated amide and/or an unsaturated nitrile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided herein are integrated methods and systems for the production of acrylamide and acrylonitrile compounds and other compounds from at least beta-lactones and/or beta-hydroxy amides.