Ligand Synthesis via One-Pot Process and Aqueous Work-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synthesizing ligand precursors like 1,3,4-(SiMe3)(C6F5)(R)C5H3 require multiple reaction vessels, isolation of intermediates, and time-consuming filtration steps, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in producing highly active olefin polymerization catalysts.

Innovation Solution

A scalable method that synthesizes 1,3,4-(SiMe3)(C6F5)(R)C5H3 without isolating intermediates, using fewer process steps and an aqueous work-up to minimize decomposition and filtration of inorganic salts, allowing for production in a single reaction vessel with improved yield and purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional methods are used to synthesize ligand precursors, then the compounds can be produced, but multiple reaction vessels, isolation of intermediates, and time-consuming filtration steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthetic efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of reaction vessels and process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple reaction steps into a single reaction vessel, eliminating the need for multiple separate vessels and intermediate isolation. The synthesis proceeds through sequential additions of reagents (cyclopentadienide, base, silylating agent, and alkylating agent) all within one vessel, directly forming the final ligand precursor without isolating intermediates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the time-consuming filtration steps and intermediate isolation procedures from the traditional synthesis pathway. By designing a one-pot synthesis approach, the method removes unnecessary process steps while maintaining product yield and purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If traditional methods with multiple process steps are used, then the ligand precursor can be synthesized, but synthetic time and process economics are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthetic timeVSAvoidprocess economics
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous synthesis by adding reagents sequentially in one vessel without interrupting the process for isolation or filtration. The reaction proceeds continuously from cyclopentadienide formation through silylation and alkylation to the final product, maximizing productive time and improving both synthetic speed and economic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional work-up procedures are used, then inorganic salts can be removed, but filtration of finely divided inorganic salts is required which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct purityVSAvoidfiltration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system with an aqueous work-up procedure. Instead of filtering finely divided inorganic salts through a mechanical filter, the method uses water extraction to remove inorganic salts from the organic product, eliminating the time-consuming filtration step while maintaining product purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The method enhances the efficiency and economics of ligand precursor production by reducing synthetic time and process steps, maintaining high yield and purity, and avoiding the need for filtration of finely divided inorganic salts.

Implementation Method 1

combining perfluorobenzene C6F6, a metal cyclopentadienide [M1][C5H5] and a first base M2B1 to form a first reaction mixture comprising [M1/M2][(C6F5)C5H4]

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

combining at least 2 molar equivalents of ClSiMe3 with said first reaction mixture to give a second reaction mixture comprising 1,3-(SiMe3)(C6F5)C5H4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSilylation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

combining a second base M3B2 with said second reaction mixture to give a third reaction mixture comprising [M1/M2/M3][1,3-(SiMe3)(C6F5)C5H3]

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

combining a compound RX with said third mixture to give a fourth reaction mixture comprising 1,3,4-(SiMe3)(C6F5)(R)C5H3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlkylation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 5

an aqueous product work-up which minimizes product decomposition and avoids filtration of finely divided inorganic salts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid-liquid extraction: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Data Source

PatentUS9045504B2Ligand synthesis
Publication Date: 2015.06.02 NOVA CHEM (INT) SA
  • US9045504B2 patent drawing
  • US9045504B2 patent drawing
  • US9045504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Compounds 1,3,4-(SiMe3)(C6F5)(alkyl)C5H3 are made using a simplified synthetic strategy which is readily scalable. On reaction with a suitable transition metal species, a 1,3,4-(SiMe3)(C6F5)(alkyl)C5H3 molecule provides an organotransition metal complex comprising a 1,2-(C6F5)(alkyl) substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand, which is active toward olefin polymerization.