Green Solvent Imine Synthesis via Lactic Whey
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for synthesizing imines and imine-related compounds require toxic and non-environmentally friendly reagents, involve high energy consumption, and generate toxic fumes, while also not utilizing lactic whey effectively, which is a waste product in the dairy industry.
Innovation Solution
The use of an environmentally friendly solvent system comprising lactic whey and ethyl lactate, along with dimethyl isosorbide, at temperatures between -20°C and 50°C, to mix carbonyl-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds, facilitating the formation of imines, azines, oximes, hydrazones, and semicarbazones with reduced energy input and without the need for recrystallization or purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional synthesis processes are used to form imines and imine-related compounds, then the reactions can proceed to completion, but toxic reagents are released into the environment and large energy requirements are incurred due to lengthy high temperature reaction periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful toxic reagents and high energy consumption of conventional synthesis into a beneficial green chemistry process by using environmentally friendly solvents (ethyl lactate, dimethyl isosorbide, lactic whey) and catalysts that enable imine formation under milder conditions, thereby eliminating toxic fume release while maintaining synthesis effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reaction parameters from conventional high temperature and long duration to milder temperatures and shorter times by introducing green solvents and catalysts, specifically using ethyl lactate, dimethyl isosorbide, or lactic whey as solvents with reaction times of 1-24 hours at temperatures not exceeding ambient to 50°C, thus reducing energy consumption and eliminating toxic emissions
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional synthesis processes are used to form imines and imine-related compounds, then the reactions can proceed to completion, but large energy requirements are incurred due to lengthy high temperature reaction periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction parameters from conventional high temperature and long duration to milder temperatures and shorter times by introducing green solvents and catalysts, specifically using ethyl lactate, dimethyl isosorbide, or lactic whey as solvents with reaction times of 1-24 hours at temperatures not exceeding ambient to 50°C, thus reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces green solvents (ethyl lactate, dimethyl isosorbide, lactic whey) and catalysts (acetic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid) as intermediaries that facilitate the imine formation reaction under milder conditions, enabling the reaction to proceed efficiently without requiring high energy input
3Ease of manufacture
If lactic whey is not utilized, then conventional synthesis processes can be maintained, but waste accumulation from the dairy industry continues to be a major problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste product lactic whey from the dairy industry into a beneficial green solvent for chemical synthesis, thereby eliminating waste accumulation while providing an environmentally friendly medium for imine and imine-related compound formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables lactic whey to serve itself by utilizing this waste product as a functional solvent in the synthesis process, transforming it from a discarded substance into a valuable reagent that contributes to the reaction system
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 enables the efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly synthesis of imines and imine-related compounds with high purity and yield, utilizing a waste product and minimizing energy and waste generation.
Implementation Method 1
mixing a first reactant characterized as a carbonyl-containing compound with a second reactant characterized as a nitrogen-containing reactant in a green solvent at a temperature between negative twenty degrees Celsius (−20° C.) and fifty degrees Celsius (50° C.)... forming an imine, imine-related or imine-derived compound product
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to using green solvents to synthesize an array of imines, imine-related and imine-derived compounds in an efficient and eco-friendly matter, satisfying green chemistry requirements. Reaction embodiments are performed using solvents, such as ethyl lactate and dimethyl isosorbide, which are both individually characterized as green. In embodiments, solvents include lactic whey and/or water as co-solvents. In these green solvents, the synthesis process discussed herein can produce up to quantitative yields of product at room temperature in a short duration. Embodiments include a method of forming an imine, imine-related or imine-derived compound product. In embodiments, the methods include mixing an aldehyde reactant with a nucleophilic/nitrogen-containing reactant in a green solvent at a temperature between negative twenty degrees Celsius (−20° C.) and positive fifty degrees Celsius (50° C.); stirring the mixture; and forming an imine, imine-related or imine-derived compound product.