L-Glufosinate Salt Purification via Extraction and Base Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing L-glufosinate or its salts, such as chemical and biocatalytic processes, generate significant impurities and are not commercially viable due to the complexity and environmental impact of impurity removal.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the treatment of crude L-glufosinate hydrochloride with water or alcohol to achieve a purity of at least 90%, followed by conversion to an aqueous solution using a base, resulting in an L-glufosinate salt solution that is substantially free of impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If chemical methods are used to prepare L-glufosinate, then L-glufosinate can be produced, but large amounts of inorganic and organic impurities are generated requiring removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs extraction techniques to separate and remove impurities from the reaction mixture. The crude L-glufosinate is extracted using organic solvents to isolate the product from inorganic and organic impurities generated during chemical synthesis, achieving purification without requiring complex multi-step removal processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in pH and solvent composition to selectively precipitate and remove impurities. By adjusting the pH during the reaction and extraction processes, the patent enables selective separation of L-glufosinate from impurities, transforming the mixture into a purified product through controlled parameter modifications
2Quantity of substance
If biocatalytic methods are used to prepare L-glufosinate, then L-glufosinate can be produced from racemic glufosinate, but the process involves multiple enzymes, co-enzymes, catalysts and generates bio-wastes that are toxicological concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful racemic mixture into a beneficial pure L-glufosinate product through selective chemical transformation. Instead of using complex biocatalytic systems that generate toxic bio-wastes, the patent employs chemical resolution methods that transform the D-isomer into removable by-products while retaining the L-isomer as the desired product, thereby converting a harmful starting material into a beneficial purified product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex biocatalytic systems involving multiple enzymes, co-enzymes, and whole-cell catalysts with a simpler chemical synthesis and resolution system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex biological components and their associated bio-wastes, achieving the same enantioselective production goal through chemical means that are easier to handle and dispose of
3Quantity of substance
If biocatalytic processes are used, then L-glufosinate can be obtained from racemic glufosinate, but isolation of L-glufosinate from the reaction mixture is tedious and non-ecofriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the isolation process into distinct, simplified steps: reaction, extraction, filtration, and concentration. Each step handles a specific aspect of purification, making the overall process more manageable and less tedious than conventional biocatalytic isolation methods. The segmentation allows for optimized conditions at each stage, improving ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic solvents as intermediary substances to facilitate the separation of L-glufosinate from the reaction mixture. These solvents act as mediators that selectively dissolve L-glufosinate while leaving impurities behind, enabling easy separation through filtration and evaporation. This intermediary approach simplifies the isolation process compared to direct purification methods
4Manufacturing precision
If complex impurity removal processes are used, then pure L-glufosinate can be obtained, but the process becomes commercially non-viable due to cost and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous one-pot synthesis and purification process where L-glufosinate is synthesized and purified in the same reaction vessel without intermediate isolation steps. This continuity eliminates the need for multiple separate purification operations, reducing both cost and environmental impact while maintaining high purity, thereby improving commercial viability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the synthesis and purification steps into a single integrated process. The reaction mixture is directly subjected to extraction and concentration without intermediate isolation, combining multiple operations into one continuous workflow. This merging reduces equipment requirements, operational complexity, and waste generation, making the process commercially viable while achieving high purity
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 process produces a highly pure L-glufosinate salt solution with at least 15% concentration, effectively eliminating impurities and reducing production costs, making it suitable for agrochemical compositions.
Implementation Method 1
treating crude L-glufosinate hydrochloride with water, alcohol or mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
converting said hydrochloride to aqueous solution containing at least 15% of L-glufosinate salt by treatment with a base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of L-glufosinate salt. The present invention more particularly relates to a process for preparation of an aqueous solution of L-glufosinate salt, substantially free of impurities.