Copper-Catalyzed Radical Cyclization for Beta-Lactam Synthesis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The synthesis of β-lactam derivatives often involves harsh reaction conditions, requires noble metal catalysts, and is not environmentally friendly, leading to high costs and low yields.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the reaction of substituted N-quinoline-3-butenamide derivatives with toluene or heterocyclic derivatives in the presence of di-tert-butyl peroxide and a copper salt catalyst at 90-150°C, utilizing free radical cyclization to produce β-lactam derivatives with high yields and mild reaction conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If noble metal catalysts are used for C-H bond activation and metal catalysis, then the synthesis of β-lactam derivatives can be achieved, but the cost increases and the reaction conditions become harsh

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis feasibilityVSAvoidreaction condition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive noble metal catalysts with inexpensive copper catalysts, which are abundant and cost-effective. The copper catalyst system achieves the same ring-closing function without requiring precious metals, directly addressing the cost issue while maintaining synthesis feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies reaction parameters by using milder conditions compared to traditional noble metal-catalyzed methods. The copper catalyst system operates under less harsh conditions, changing the thermal and chemical parameters to achieve both feasibility and reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If activated groups or orienting groups are used in the synthesis method, then the ring closing reaction can proceed, but the atomic economy decreases and environmental friendliness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction proceedabilityVSAvoidatomic economy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for activated groups or orienting groups from the substrate structure by employing a copper-catalyzed radical mechanism. This extraction of unnecessary functional groups directly improves atomic economy while maintaining reaction proceedability through the alternative catalytic pathway

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of requiring additional functional groups into a benefit by using a radical-based copper catalysis system that tolerates simple substrates. This approach transforms the limitation into an advantage, achieving both reaction success and environmental friendliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional synthesis methods are used for β-lactam derivatives, then the reaction can be performed, but the yield is low and the reaction conditions are harsh

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction performabilityVSAvoidsynthesis yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes traditional metal coordination mechanisms with a radical-based reaction mechanism initiated by copper catalysts and peroxide. This mechanistic substitution leads to improved yields by avoiding the limitations of conventional approaches while maintaining reaction performability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (90-150°C), catalyst loading (0.05-0.2 equivalents), and peroxide ratio (1:1-3), which collectively improve synthesis yield while keeping conditions mild and manageable for industrial production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves high yields and environmental friendliness, using readily available materials and reducing the need for noble metal catalysts, making it suitable for large-scale production and compliant with green chemistry principles.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing free radical cyclization to produce β-lactam derivatives with high yields and mild reaction conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree radical cyclization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

in the presence of di-tert-butyl peroxide and a copper salt catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

Reacting the substituted N-quinoline-3-butenamide derivative of Formula (1) and toluene or a toluene derivative of Formula (2) at 90-150° C. in the presence of di-tert-butyl peroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Thermolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11976060B2Method for preparing beta-lactam derivative
Publication Date: 2024.05.07 SUZHOU UNIV
  • US11976060B2 patent drawing
  • US11976060B2 patent drawing
  • US11976060B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a β-lactam derivative, wherein a substituted N-quinoline-3-butenamide derivative is used as a substrate to react with a toluene derivative or a heterocyclic derivative at 90-150° C. in the presence of DTBP and a copper salt catalyst, to prepare a β-lactam derivative. According to the method of the present invention, a variety of β-lactam derivatives can be obtained with a high yield. The reaction of the present invention has mild reaction conditions, and simple reaction operation and post-treatment process, and is suitable for large-scale production.