Spilanthol Concentration via Acid Addition and Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating spilanthol are complex, costly, and inefficient, making it difficult to obtain high-concentration compositions or pure spilanthol, which limits its industrial applicability and availability.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the formation of an addition derivative of spilanthol with a strong acid, followed by hydrolysis using a base, to regenerate spilanthol in a composition comprising at least 90% true spilanthol, using an acid-inert solvent and specific strong acids like sulfuric acid, and bases like sodium carbonate, allowing for the isolation of spilanthol in an anhydrous medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current methods for concentrating spilanthol are used, then spilanthol can be obtained, but the process is complex, costly, and inefficient with low concentration results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by using specific strong acids (sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, or para-toluenesulfonic acid) to form addition derivatives with spilanthol, followed by hydrolysis with bases. This chemical parameter transformation enables efficient concentration and separation, achieving over 95% pure spilanthol through simple extraction and washing steps rather than complex purification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance - the addition derivative formed between spilanthol and strong acid - as a temporary mediator. This intermediate compound facilitates the separation and concentration process, allowing spilanthol to be extracted and purified through simple washing and hydrolysis steps, then regenerated in high concentration form.
2Productivity
If current extraction methods are used, then spilanthol can be isolated, but the cost is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the isolation process by changing chemical parameters - using strong acids to form water-soluble addition derivatives that can be easily separated from non-polar solvents. This parameter change enables rapid phase separation and simplifies the purification steps, dramatically improving productivity while reducing costs through the use of inexpensive common chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium carbonate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the spilanthol isolation process into distinct chemical stages: (1) formation of water-soluble addition derivative with strong acid, (2) separation from non-polar solvent phase, (3) hydrolysis with base to regenerate spilanthol, and (4) final purification. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and performed under mild conditions, improving overall efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional purification methods are used, then spilanthol can be obtained, but high concentration (100% or 90%+) is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves high purity spilanthol by changing the solubility parameters through acid-base chemistry. The strong acid forms water-soluble addition derivatives that separate cleanly from non-polar solvents, and subsequent base hydrolysis regenerates pure spilanthol. This parameter transformation enables achieving over 95% purity through simple extraction and washing rather than complex chromatographic or distillation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the typically problematic step of acid treatment into a beneficial purification mechanism. By using strong acids to form water-soluble derivatives, impurities remain in the non-polar phase while spilanthol transfers to the aqueous phase. After washing to remove impurities, base hydrolysis regenerates pure spilanthol, turning what could be a harsh treatment step into an effective purification strategy.
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 method enables the simple, rapid, and cost-effective concentration of spilanthol to 100% or high concentrations, facilitating its industrialization and ensuring high purity through efficient separation and regeneration steps.
Implementation Method 1
a first step of mixing a composition comprising spilanthol with an acid-inert solvent... a second step of forming an oily product comprising an addition derivative of spilanthol by mixing the anhydrous solution obtained in the first step with a strong acid
Implementation Method 2
a third stage of hydrolysis of said addition compound included in the oily product obtained in the second stage, by bringing together a base chosen from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, lime, ammonia, soda, lithin, potash, or even barite to obtain a spilanthol solution
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is a process for concentrating spilanthol contained in a composition, comprising the formation of an addition compound of spilanthol with a strong acid, then the hydrolysis of said addition compound. The process according to the invention makes it possible to easily obtain a composition which can comprise 100% of isolated actual spilanthol ((2E,6Z,8E)-N-(2-methylpropyl)deca-2,6,8-trienamide) or of a mixture of actual spilanthol with the isomers and/or homologues thereof that may accompany it.