Single-Vessel Grignard Synthesis of Organic Silicon Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing organic silicon compounds using Grignard reactions are inefficient, requiring multiple reaction vessels, excessive ether solvents, and generating hazardous waste, leading to prolonged synthesis times, reduced yield, and increased safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A method where the Grignard reagent is generated and reacted with organosilanes in the same reaction vessel, minimizing ether solvent use and eliminating the need for prior preparation, allowing for a single vessel process that reduces waste generation and enhances reaction selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the Grignard reagent is prepared beforehand in a separate reaction vessel, then the reagent can be stabilized through pre-formulation, but the synthesis time is prolonged and multiple reaction facilities are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of Grignard reagentVSAvoidsynthesis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the Grignard reagent preparation step and the organosilane reaction step into a single reaction vessel. The organosilane is added to the reaction vessel containing magnesium metal, and the Grignard reagent forms in situ and reacts with the organosilane without isolation. This merging of steps eliminates the need for separate preparation and reaction vessels, thereby reducing synthesis time while maintaining reagent stability through continuous reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous reaction where the Grignard reagent is formed and consumed in sequence within the same reaction vessel. The organosilane is added to the reaction mixture, and the Grignard reagent reacts with it continuously as it forms, eliminating idle time between preparation and reaction steps. This continuous process maintains reagent stability while minimizing synthesis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If a large amount of ether type solvent is used to increase stability of the Grignard reagent, then the reagent stability is improved, but safety hazards increase due to peroxide formation and handling difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of Grignard reagentVSAvoidsafety hazards from ether solvent
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent system from traditional ether-based solvents to a non-ether organic solvent. This parameter change eliminates the peroxide formation hazard associated with ethers while maintaining the ability to dissolve and stabilize the Grignard reagent through alternative solvent properties. The non-ether solvent provides sufficient stability for the reagent without the safety risks of peroxide accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a non-ether organic solvent that can be easily handled and disposed of without the long-term stability and peroxide formation issues of ether solvents. The solvent serves its purpose during the reaction and can be removed or replaced without the safety concerns associated with ether waste handling and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If the organosilane is added to excess Grignard reagent in ether solvent, then the reaction proceeds, but selectivity decreases and byproducts are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidreaction selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent parameter from ether to non-ether organic solvent, which alters the reaction environment and improves selectivity. The non-ether solvent provides a different solvation environment that favors the desired reaction pathway, reducing side reactions and byproduct formation while maintaining adequate reaction rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a localized reaction environment where the organosilane reacts with the Grignard reagent in situ without the interfering effects of ether solvent. The local reaction conditions in the non-ether solvent promote higher selectivity for the desired product while maintaining productivity through efficient in situ reagent formation and reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If multiple reaction vessels are used for Grignard preparation and reaction, then the process can be staged for control, but equipment costs increase and facility return rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess controlVSAvoidnumber of reaction vessels
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the Grignard reagent preparation step and the organosilane reaction step into a single reaction vessel. The organosilane is added to the reaction vessel containing magnesium metal, and the Grignard reagent forms in situ and reacts with the organosilane without isolation. This merging eliminates the need for separate preparation and reaction vessels, reducing equipment complexity and costs while maintaining process control through sequential addition and in situ reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single reaction vessel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the Grignard reagent preparation vessel and the reaction vessel for organosilane conversion. This multi-functional use of equipment increases facility return rate and reduces the number of vessels required, while process control is maintained through controlled addition sequences and in situ reaction monitoring.

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

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 significantly shortens synthesis time, improves yield, and reduces waste and safety hazards, while lowering equipment costs and environmental impact by minimizing ether solvent use and stabilizing the Grignard reagent.

Implementation Method 1

a method of producing organic silicon compounds performs synthesis by causing reaction between a reactive organosilane as a raw material (i.e. alkoxysilanes, chlorosilanes, or the like) and a corresponding Grignard reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrignard reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a large amount of ether type solvent (diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, or the like) is generally used in order to increase stability of the Grignard reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

the Grignard reagent reacts with moisture and generates heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Implementation Method 4

there is a need for removal of the byproduct magnesium salt by centrifugal separation or filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

there is a need for removal of the byproduct magnesium salt by centrifugal separation or filtration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 6

the ether type solvent remaining in the filtrate liquid after filtration may be separated from the target substance by distillation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentEP2797855B1Method of producing an organic silicon compound
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 DOW CORNING TORAY CO LTD

AI summary

A method of producing an organic silicon compound includes a step of reaction of the following: (A) a reactive silane compound represented by General Formula (1) below: R1 mSiY(4-m) (wherein R1 is a monovalent organic group (except for the group represented by Y) or a hydrogen atom; Y indicates a chlorine atom or a group represented by -OR2; R2 indicates a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; and m is a number in the range of 0 to 3), (B) a halogenated organic compound represented by General Formula (2) below: R3-X (wherein R3 indicates a monovalent organic group; and X is a halogen atom), and (C) metallic magnesium (Mg) in the presence of (D) an organic solvent containing at least one type of ether type compound.