“Revolutionizing Organic Synthesis: New Method Uses Perchloroethylene to Create Useful Compounds”

Revolutionary Organic Synthesis Method Using Perchloroethylene Unveiled

A groundbreaking collaboration between Kobe University’s Graduate School of Science and AGC Incorporated has led to the successful synthesis of various useful compounds from perchloroethylene, a common dry-cleaning solvent. The compounds synthesized include pharmaceutical intermediates and a novel polyurethane containing a fluoroalkyl group. These chemical compounds are essential for the production of medicines, plastics, and other products.

Using Kobe University’s patented ‘photo-on-demand’ organic synthesis method, the research collaboration developed a new photo-oxidation method for perchloroethylene. This method is simple, safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, and can efficiently synthesize the aforementioned useful compounds.

Patents Filed for Innovative Research Findings

Patents were filed in relation to these research findings in March 2019 (domestic) and March 2020 (international). The academic paper was published online in ACS Omega on January 4, 2023.

Research Background and Methodology

Perchloroethylene is primarily used as a dry-cleaning solvent and metal degreaser. Despite its high chemical stability, perchloroethylene produces various substances when photo-oxidized under ultraviolet light. These substances, while harmful to the environment due to their toxic or corrosive properties, are valuable raw materials for organic synthesis.

The research group led by Associate Professor Tsuda was the first to successfully synthesize numerous useful chemical compounds using perchloroethylene’s photo-oxidation products. In 2012, they applied for a patent and published a paper on this innovation. However, there were two remaining issues with this previous method: low reaction efficiency and the need to temporarily remove the toxic and corrosive photo-oxidation products from the reaction chamber.

To resolve these issues, the research group collaborated with AGC Inc. This partnership led to the joint development of an organic synthesis method that could safely, inexpensively, and easily turn perchloroethylene into high yields of organic chemical compounds with minimal environmental impact.

Further Research and Patent Information

Using the photo-on-demand synthesis method, the research group was able to synthesize various organic chemical compounds from a solution of perchloroethylene and amine in a safe, inexpensive, and relatively environmentally friendly manner. To further develop this photoreaction method, Professor Tsuda and his team are currently using a flow reaction system to develop a continuous organic synthesis method.

This research accomplishment is expected to be utilized in the future as a novel way of using the abundant chemical perchloroethylene and as a method to recycle chemicals, contributing towards the realization of a sustainable society.

The patent application for the method of producing N-Substituted Trichloroacetamides was filed in March 2019, with the international patent application filed in March 2020. The patent was published in October 2020, with Kobe University and AGC Inc. as the applicants.

Conclusion

This groundbreaking research collaboration between Kobe University and AGC Inc. has led to the development of a novel organic synthesis method using perchloroethylene. The method is not only safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly, but it also has the potential to revolutionize the way we use and recycle chemicals. With patents filed and the research findings published, the future of organic synthesis looks promising.