2-Hydroxy-5-Oxoproline Salt Synthesis via Ozone Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synthesizing 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline produce waste streams, making commercial production challenging.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the oxidation of sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate using ozone or hydrogen peroxide at controlled temperatures between 20°C and 100°C to form 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline salt, optionally adjusting pH with alkali metal hydroxides or carbonates, in a single-step reaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If enzymatic procedures are used to synthesize 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline, then the synthesis can be performed, but the process is slow and difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis speedVSAvoidcontrol difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental reaction parameters by replacing enzymatic catalysis with chemical oxidation using Fremy's salt. This shifts the reaction mechanism from biological to chemical, enabling faster reaction rates and improved controllability through standard chemical reaction conditions rather than enzymatic constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the enzymatic system (biological catalyst) with a chemical oxidizing agent (Fremy's salt). This replacement eliminates the limitations of enzymatic procedures while achieving the desired transformation through a well-defined chemical oxidation mechanism

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

2Productivity

If quantitative chemical synthesis using Fremy's Salt is used, then near quantitative yield is achieved, but a waste stream is produced that prevents commercial use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield efficiencyVSAvoidwaste production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the oxidation process to enable recovery and reuse of the nitrosylsulfonate byproduct. By adjusting reaction conditions and implementing a workup procedure that recovers the byproduct, the process eliminates waste disposal issues and enables commercial scalability while maintaining high yields

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful waste stream (nitrosylsulfonate byproduct) into a recoverable material. By modifying the reaction conditions and implementation, the byproduct can be recovered and potentially reused or disposed of more efficiently, transforming an environmental liability into a manageable process feature

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 method eliminates waste production and enables efficient, scalable production of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline salt suitable for commercial use.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a molar excess of ozone with the aqueous solution of sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate such that sodium 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

the oxidizing agent comprises ozone and/or hydrogen peroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4506338B1Method for preparing 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 MILLENNIUM ENTERPRISES INC
  • EP4506338B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4506338B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The compound 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline salt can be used to produce an increase in carbon dioxide fixation, growth, dry weight, nutritional value (proteins and amino acids), nodulation and nitrogen fixation and photosynthetically derived chemical energy when applied to plants through their roots and/or through their foliar portions. The embodiments provide an improved chemical synthesis for this compound which is performed in a single step reaction using an oxidizing agent (such as ozone) with a salt of 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid.