Cross Metathesis Synthesis of Aldehydic Perfuming Intermediates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The perfumery industry faces challenges in accessing compounds that impart novel aldehydic notes, particularly for reconstituting the delicate floral odor of muguet, as existing methods using Grignard reagents or radical chemistry result in low yield and selectivity.

Innovation Solution

A cross metathesis process between commercially available compounds to produce 3-(cyclohex-1-en-1-yl) propanal derivatives, utilizing novel intermediates to achieve high yield and selectivity without toxic acrolein or crotonaldehyde.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Grignard reagents or radical chemistry are used to produce aldehydic compounds, then the compounds can be synthesized, but the yield and selectivity are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield and selectivityVSAvoidprocess efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical reaction parameters by replacing Grignard reagents and radical chemistry with cross-metathesis reaction conditions. This involves changing the catalyst system (using ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts), the reaction mechanism, and the stoichiometry to achieve high yield and selectivity for aldehydic compounds with muguet-floral odor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/chemical system of Grignard reagents and radical chemistry with an organic metathesis reaction system. This replacement eliminates the need for toxic reagents while improving reaction efficiency, yield, and selectivity through a more controlled and predictable reaction mechanism.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If existing methods are used to access perfuming compounds, then the compounds can be produced, but the process is tedious and requires complex reagents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex and tedious steps from existing synthesis routes. By using cross-metathesis reactions, the method removes the need for Grignard reagent preparation, radical initiation steps, and multiple protection/deprotection sequences, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the synthesis into simpler, modular cross-metathesis steps that can be performed under mild conditions. Each reaction step is independent and can be optimized separately, making the overall process easier to manufacture and scale while reducing the need for complex reagents and equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If toxic acrolein or crotonaldehyde are used as intermediates, then the desired compounds can be obtained, but toxic substances are introduced into the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompound productionVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful approach of using toxic acrolein or crotonaldehyde intermediates into a beneficial process by employing non-toxic cross-metathesis reactions. The metathesis catalyst system enables the same or better compound production without introducing toxic substances, thereby eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining or improving productivity.

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

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 provides a straightforward and efficient route to valuable perfuming ingredients with high yield and selectivity, overcoming the limitations of existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a cross metathesis step, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst, between compound of the formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc) with compound of formula (III)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross metathesis: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20240368068A1Process for preparing perfuming intermediates
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 FIRMENICH SA
  • US20240368068A1 patent drawing
  • US20240368068A1 patent drawing
  • US20240368068A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of perfumery. More particularly, it concerns valuable new chemical intermediates for producing perfuming ingredients. Moreover, the present invention comprises also a process for producing compound of formula (I).