“Kobe University Researchers Develop Environmentally Friendly Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals in Pharmaceutical and Plastic Production”
Researchers Develop Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Toxic Chemical Precursors
Researchers at Kobe University’s Graduate School of Science, in collaboration with AGC Incorporated, have developed fluoroalkyl carbonates as an environmentally friendly alternative to toxic precursors used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The fluoroalkyl carbonates have high reactivity, making them ideal for synthesizing pharmaceutical intermediates and other substances, and are easy to process. The team has successfully synthesized large quantities of these carbonates using a safe, simple, and economical method, and have obtained patents in the USA and Japan for this process.
Fluoroalkyl Carbonates: A Safer, More Efficient Alternative
Fluoroalkyl carbonates are a promising alternative to phosgene, a highly toxic compound widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, plastics, and chemical intermediates. The high toxicity of phosgene has led to a demand for safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives. The researchers at Kobe University have developed a method for synthesizing fluoroalkyl carbonates, which have properties that make them an ideal substitute for phosgene. The fluoroalkyl carbonates are highly reactive, meaning they can promote chemical reactions well, and are easy to process. They also have added properties when fluorine is added to organic compounds, making them water and oil repellent, strong against heat, light, and chemicals, and capable of changing chemical reactions.
Patent Secured for Innovative Synthesis Process
The team’s innovative method for synthesizing fluoroalkyl carbonates, known as the photo-on-demand method, has been patented in the USA (November 2021) and Japan (April 2022). This method allows for the safe, simple, and economical production of large quantities of fluoroalkyl carbonates. The researchers also revealed some new hidden properties of these carbonates, which could potentially be used in academia and industry for high-end compounds. The research findings were published online in The Journal of Organic Chemistry on August 18, 2022.
Research Background and Methodology
The global phosgene market continues to grow each year, with around 8 to 9 million tonnes produced annually. However, due to its extreme toxicity, there is a demand for alternatives. The researchers at Kobe University have developed a method for synthesizing fluoroalkyl carbonates, a promising alternative to phosgene, using the photo-on-demand method. This method involves dissolving alcohol and organic bases in chloroform, a commercially available solvent, and then illuminating the resulting solution with light. This process avoids the use of toxic phosgene and has been named the ‘photo on demand organic synthesis method’ by the research group.
Further Developments and Potential Applications
With their high reactivity, fluoroalkyl carbonates could potentially serve as a substitute for phosgene in the synthesis of various chemical products. They could also be used in electronics-related fields, as they do not produce hydrogen chloride (HCl) as a by-product, which can cause corrosion and degradation. The synthesis of fluoroalkyl carbonate using the photo-on-demand method, and its application to the synthesis of chemical products, could promote the development of new functional materials and contribute greatly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and efforts to become carbon neutral.
Patent Information and Journal Publication
The researchers have obtained patents for their innovative synthesis process in the USA and Japan. The research findings were published online in The Journal of Organic Chemistry on August 18, 2022. The research was supported by the Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-driven R&D (A-STEP) from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).