Thiazole Synthesis Using Formic Acid Solvent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synthesizing thiazole derivatives are hindered by the use of toxic solvents, expensive catalysts, high energy consumption, low yield, and severe reaction conditions, making them economically and environmentally unsustainable.

Innovation Solution

A novel method involving the reaction of specific compounds in a solvent containing formic acid, which eliminates the need for hazardous catalysts and allows for controlled reaction conditions, achieving high yields and environmental friendliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Hantasch process is used to synthesize thiazole derivatives, then thiazole ring can be formed by reacting haloketone with thiourea, but toxic solvents are used and expensive catalysts are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis effectivenessVSAvoidtoxic solvents and expensive catalysts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive catalysts with a simple acid catalyst (such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or p-toluenesulfonic acid) that is inexpensive and readily available. The catalyst system uses common laboratory reagents rather than costly specialized catalysts, making the process economically viable for industrial production.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates toxic solvents from the reaction system by using water as the sole solvent medium. This extraction of harmful substances from the process removes environmental and safety concerns while maintaining effective reaction conditions through the use of acid catalysis in aqueous medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If Hantasch process is used to synthesize thiazole derivatives, then thiazole ring can be formed, but high energy consumption is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including temperature (reflux conditions), pH (acidic environment), and reaction time to achieve high yields under milder conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the process reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods while maintaining synthesis effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If Hantasch process is used to synthesize thiazole derivatives, then thiazole ring can be formed, but low yield is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis effectivenessVSAvoidyield
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a closed-loop optimization approach where reaction conditions are systematically adjusted based on yield results. The acid catalyst concentration, temperature, and reaction time are optimized through iterative experimentation to achieve consistent high yields of 87% or above, significantly improving upon previous methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If Hantasch process is used to synthesize thiazole derivatives, then thiazole ring can be formed, but severe reaction conditions are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis effectivenessVSAvoidreaction conditions severity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acid catalyst as an intermediary substance that facilitates the reaction between haloketone and thiourea under milder conditions. The acid mediator activates the carbonyl group and promotes nucleophilic attack by thiourea, enabling ring formation at lower temperatures and less severe conditions than traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Reliability

If Hantasch process is used to synthesize thiazole derivatives, then thiazole ring can be formed, but difficult post-processing is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis effectivenessVSAvoidpost-processing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves homogeneous reaction conditions by conducting the reaction in aqueous acid medium, which facilitates uniform mixing and consistent reaction throughout the solution. This homogeneity simplifies post-processing steps as the reaction mixture has uniform properties, making filtration, extraction, and purification more straightforward compared to heterogeneous traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 achieves high yields of up to 87% without using toxic catalysts or hazardous solvents, making it economically and environmentally sustainable for industrial production.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) in a solvent containing formic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

solvent containing formic acid... does not use any catalyst toxic or hazardous to environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP2888237B1Method for preparation of thiazole derivatives
Publication Date: 2017.10.18 DSM IP ASSETS BV
  • EP2888237B1 patent drawing
  • EP2888237B1 patent drawing
  • EP2888237B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for the preparation of a thiazole compound of formula (I) comprises reacting a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) in a solvent containing formic acid.