Dihydrolipoic Acid Multi-Stage Process Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthetic routes for dihydrolipoic acid suffer from low selectivity, product mixtures, and the need for purification through distillation, which are inefficient and labor-intensive, especially in industrial-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage process involving the reaction of 6,8-dichlorooctanoic acid ester with a mixture of sodium sulfide and sulfur in an alcoholic solvent at controlled temperatures and pressures, followed by reduction and pH adjustment, effectively suppressing the formation of by-products and polymers, allowing for a high space-time yield without intermediate isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional synthetic routes are used for dihydrolipoic acid, then the product can be obtained, but the selectivity is low and product mixtures are formed requiring complex purification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing reaction conditions including temperature ranges (80-130°C), pressure ranges (0.12-0.60 MPa), and solvent composition (alcoholic solvent mixtures) to achieve high selectivity for dihydrolipoic acid while suppressing by-product formation and polymerization, thereby simplifying purification requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If distillation is used for purification of dihydrolipoic acid, then impurities can be removed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs extraction methods using alcoholic solvent mixtures to selectively dissolve and separate dihydrolipoic acid from reaction by-products and polymers, replacing time-consuming distillation processes with more efficient liquid-liquid extraction that maintains high purity while improving production efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If multi-stage processes with intermediate isolation are used, then product quality can be controlled, but the production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reaction stages and purification steps into a streamlined integrated process where intermediates are carried forward without isolation, and purification is achieved through selective extraction in the final stage, thereby reducing production time while maintaining product quality control
4Quantity of substance
If radical addition of cyclohexanone to vinyl derivative is used, then dihydrolipoic acid can be synthesized, but the selectivity is low and by-products are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes reaction parameters including using specific temperature ranges (80-130°C), pressure conditions (0.12-0.60 MPa), and alcoholic solvent mixtures to optimize the radical addition reaction, achieving high selectivity for the desired product while minimizing by-product formation and maintaining good yield
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 significantly reduces by-product formation, enhances yield, and allows for the efficient production of dihydrolipoic acid on an industrial scale, enabling its conversion to alpha-lipoic acid or physiologically tolerable derivatives with improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ester of 6,8-dichlorooctanoic acid according to general formula (II) is reacted with a mixture comprising sodium sulfide and sulfur
Implementation Method 2
in a second process stage the reaction mixture obtained from the first process stage is subjected to a reduction
Implementation Method 3
the reaction is carried out in an alcoholic solvent mixture at a temperature in the range of 80 °C to 130 °C and a pressure in the range of 0.12 MPa to 0.60 MPa
Implementation Method 4
in a third process stage the reaction mixture resulting from the second process stage is adjusted to a pH value in the range of pH 1.5 to
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-step process for the production of dihydrolipoic acid, which can particularly be carried out as a one-pot reaction and without isolation of intermediates.