Pyroxasulfone Oxidation in Glymes for Cleaner Continuous Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing pyroxasulfone, an herbicide, suffer from low yield, impurity issues, and inefficiencies, particularly in large-scale manufacturing, due to the use of toxic solvents and metal catalysts, which also pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A process using glymes as solvents and carboxylic acids in the absence of metal catalysts, combined with a continuous-flow method, to oxidize the sulfide compound of Formula II into pyroxasulfone, minimizing the use of hydrogen peroxide and optimizing reaction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal catalysts and toxic solvents are used in the oxidation process, then the reaction proceeds efficiently, but the product purity decreases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal catalysts and toxic solvents from the oxidation process, extracting the harmful components while maintaining reaction efficiency through alternative reagents and conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using carboxylic acids instead of metal catalysts and glymes instead of toxic solvents, fundamentally altering the reaction system to eliminate harmful factors while preserving productivity
2Ease of operation
If conventional batch processes are used for pyroxasulfone production, then the process is simple to operate, but the production efficiency and yield are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from batch to continuous flow processing, enabling continuous reaction and production operations that significantly improve productivity and yield while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized flow conditions
3Manufacturing precision
If large amounts of hydrogen peroxide are used for oxidation, then the oxidation is complete, but the reaction time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hydrogen peroxide concentration and addition rate parameters in the continuous flow system, achieving complete oxidation with reduced reagent consumption and shorter reaction times through precise parameter control
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow system incorporates real-time monitoring and feedback control of the oxidation process, adjusting hydrogen peroxide addition based on reaction progress to ensure complete oxidation while minimizing reaction time and reagent use
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 approach enhances yield and purity, reduces reaction time, lowers costs, and improves safety by eliminating toxic solvents and metal catalysts, making it suitable for large-scale production with controlled reaction parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the oxidation step to prepare pyroxasulfone is performed under reaction conditions using one or more glymes as a solvent or part of a solvent system, in particular in the absence of a metal catalyst and in the presence of a carboxylic acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of pyroxasulfone of Formula I or salt thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of pyroxasulfone or salt thereof, wherein the oxidation step to prepare pyroxasulfone is performed under reaction conditions using one or more glymes as a solvent, particularly without a metal catalyst and in the presence of a carboxylic acid, and where the reaction may be performed using a continuous-flow procedure.