Synthesis of 2-(5-isoxazolyl)-phenol via Segmented Process

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing pyrimidinyloxy benzene derivatives, such as herbicides, are not efficient, cost-effective, or flexible enough for commercial-scale production.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the treatment of compounds of specific formulas with alkali metal bases, hydroxylamine salts, and acids to synthesize 2-(5-isoxazolyl)-phenol derivatives, allowing for the preparation of compounds like 5-chloro-2-[2-[3-(difluoromethyl)-5-isoxazolyl]-3-chlorophenoxy]pyrimidine through telescopic processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing methods for preparing pyrimidinyloxy benzene derivatives are used, then the desired compounds can be obtained, but the process is not efficient, cost-effective, or flexible enough for commercial-scale production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The synthesis process is divided into distinct sequential steps: (i) treatment of compound of formula 10 with halogenating agent to form compound of formula 12, (ii) treatment with acid salt of compound of formula 13 to form compound of formula 14, and (iii) oxidation to form compound of formula 7. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently for commercial production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary actions by preparing specific intermediate compounds (formulas 12, 14) with predetermined structures that facilitate the final oxidation step to produce the desired pyrimidinyloxy benzene derivatives. This preliminary structuring enables more efficient final product formation and simplifies downstream processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing methods are used to prepare the compounds, then the desired products can be synthesized, but the process lacks flexibility for commercial production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoidcommercial production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The synthesis method employs universal reagents and conditions that can accommodate various substituents (R1-R6, R10-R20) on the pyrimidine and benzene rings. The halogenating agent, acid salt, and oxidant can be applied across different substrate variations, providing flexibility for commercial production of multiple derivative types using the same core process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The method allows for parameter changes in terms of substituent variations on the starting compounds of formula 10, while maintaining consistent reaction conditions (halogenating agent treatment, acid salt treatment, oxidation). This enables flexible adaptation to different product specifications without compromising productivity or requiring complete process redesign.

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

The method provides a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible process for synthesizing 2-(5-isoxazolyl)-phenol derivatives suitable for commercial production, enhancing the production of pyrimidinyloxy benzene derivatives.

Implementation Method 1

treating a compound of Formula 10 with a halogenating agent to provide a compound of Formula 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHalogenation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

treating the compound of Formula 12 with an acid salt of a compound of Formula 13 to provide a compound of Formula 14

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

treating the compound of Formula 14 with an oxidant to provide a compound of Formula 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

treating a compound of Formula 1 with an alkali metal base to provide a salt of a compound of Formula 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid-base reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 5

treating the salt of compound of Formula 4 with a hydroxylamine salt to provide a compound of Formula 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 6

treating compound of Formula 6 with acid to provide compound of Formula 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid treatment: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4069680B1Process for synthesis of a 2-(5-isoxazolyl)-phenol
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 FMC CORP
  • EP4069680B1 patent drawing
  • EP4069680B1 patent drawing
  • EP4069680B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for preparing a compound of Formula (1) and compounds therefrom, comprising treating a compound of Formula (2) to provide a compound of Formula (5) and treating the compound of Formula (5) with a hydroxylamine salt wherein R1, R2 and m are as defined in the specification. The compound of Formula (1), prepared by the above method, can be used to prepare a compound of Formula (8) wherein R1, R2, R3 and m are as defined in the specification.