Triamide Synthesis via Segmented Mixing and Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of triamides from ammonia and amido dichlorides often results in the formation of dimeric, oligomeric, and polymeric reaction products, increasing the average molecular weight and impairing product quality, making separation and purification difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

A process where the starting materials are mixed without backmixing, with the amido dichloride concentration kept below 0.2 mol/mol% and the mixing time less than one second, using a nozzle, rotor-stator mixer, or jet mixer, followed by transfer to a tubular reactor where the reaction occurs without significant pre-reaction, and the heat of reaction is managed by evaporating ammonia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the reaction time is extended to ensure complete reaction, then the conversion rate improves, but dimeric, oligomeric and polymeric reaction products are formed which increase the average molecular weight and impair product quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion rateVSAvoidproduct quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction process is segmented into distinct stages: a first reaction stage at lower temperature (-20°C to 0°C) to control oligomer formation, followed by a second reaction stage at higher temperature (20°C to 50°C) to complete the reaction. This temporal segmentation allows optimization of both conversion rate and product quality at different phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reaction is initiated at lower temperature to pre-establish controlled conditions that prevent oligomer formation during the critical early reaction phase. This preliminary controlled reaction stage sets the foundation for high-quality product before transitioning to faster reaction conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the concentration of amido dichloride is increased to improve reaction efficiency, then the reaction rate increases, but the formation of oligomeric by-products increases making separation and purification more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidseparation and purification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction is conducted in two stages with different temperature conditions. The first stage uses partial reaction at lower temperature to control oligomer formation, while the second stage completes the reaction with excess energy input at higher temperature, ensuring both high conversion and low by-product formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature parameter is changed between two distinct stages: first stage at -20°C to 0°C to control oligomerization, second stage at 20°C to 50°C to accelerate reaction completion. This parameter variation optimizes both reaction rate and product purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the reaction temperature is increased to accelerate the reaction, then the reaction speed improves, but the formation of unwanted oligomeric products increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction speedVSAvoidproduct purity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction temperature is applied periodically in two distinct phases: first phase at lower temperature (-20°C to 0°C) to control oligomer formation, second phase at higher temperature (20°C to 50°C) to accelerate reaction completion. This periodic temperature variation resolves the contradiction between speed and purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The two-stage reaction process ensures continuous useful action: the first stage continuously controls oligomer formation, while the second stage continuously drives reaction completion. Both stages operate simultaneously to maintain both high speed and high purity throughout the reaction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 reduces the formation of unwanted oligomeric and polymeric products, improving the quality and yield of triamides, making separation and purification more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the starting materials are mixed without backmixing, with the amido dichloride concentration kept below 0.2 mol/mol% and the mixing time less than one second, using a nozzle, rotor-stator mixer, or jet mixer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

the heat of reaction is removed by evaporating ammonia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

the heat of reaction is removed by evaporating ammonia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEndothermic Reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP2262819B1Process for the preparation of triamides from ammonia and amidodichlorides
Publication Date: 2012.08.08 BASF SE

AI summary

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of triamides from ammonia and amidodichlorides.