Stereoselective Hydrochlorination of Trifluoropropyne

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing cis-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd) result in low yields of the cis-isomer, typically around 3-10%, requiring multiple cycles and are prone to over-reduction, making it difficult to achieve substantial quantities of the desired isomer for applications with higher boiling points.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the treatment of 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne with HCl in the presence of CuCl, using an ionic solvent like 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride and a catalyst such as CuCl2 supported on activated carbon, at temperatures between 100° C to 350° C, achieving yields of at least 80% cis-1233zd, with minimal trans-isomer production due to steric effects in the transition state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional dehydrochlorination or dehydrofluorination methods are used to produce 1233zd, then the reaction can proceed with available reagents and conditions, but the cis-isomer yield is only 3-5% due to thermal dynamic favorability of the trans-isomer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecis-isomer selectivityVSAvoidcis-isomer yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters by using a specific catalyst system (palladium with phosphine ligands) and controlling stoichiometry (1.05 equivalents of HCl) to achieve stereospecific cis-isomer formation, transforming a thermally dynamic process into a kinetically controlled stereoselective process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a catalyst intermediary (palladium complex with phosphine ligand) that mediates the hydrochlorination reaction to ensure stereospecific addition, controlling the reaction pathway to produce predominantly the cis-isomer rather than the thermodynamically favored trans-isomer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If trans-isomer is produced and then isomerized using fluorinated Cr2O3 catalyst at 300°C, then some cis-isomer can be obtained, but the cis-isomer amount is only about 10% and multiple repeated cycles are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecis-isomer quantityVSAvoidnumber of reaction cycles
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the stereospecific hydrochlorination reaction in advance to directly produce the cis-isomer as the primary product, eliminating the need for subsequent isomerization cycles and time-consuming repeated processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If palladium reduction of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropyne is used to generate cis-1233zd, then stereospecific cis-isomer can be produced, but over-reduction occurs leading to CF3CH═CH2 and CF3CH2CH3

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestereospecificityVSAvoidproduct purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters by using a specific catalyst system (palladium with phosphine ligands) and controlling stoichiometry (1.05 equivalents of HCl) to achieve stereospecific cis-isomer formation, transforming a thermally dynamic process into a kinetically controlled stereoselective process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by carefully controlling the equivalents of HCl added (1.05 equivalents) to prevent over-reduction, monitoring the reaction to ensure complete conversion of the alkyne to the desired alkene without proceeding to further reduction products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method consistently produces cis-1233zd with yields of up to 95%, significantly increasing the availability of the cis-isomer suitable for solvent applications by minimizing the presence of the trans-isomer and reducing the need for multiple reaction cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst such as CuCl2 supported on activated carbon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

using an ionic solvent like 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS8653310B2Process for making cis-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene
Publication Date: 2014.02.18 SOLSTICE ADVANCED MATERIALS US INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a process for making cis-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene comprising reacting 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne with HCl in a reaction vessel at a yield of at least about 80%.