Pharma: visit PTC Organics' poster at MPPCC on October 7th!

PTC Tip of the Month
Why Companies Miss PTC Opportunities

It is very likely that R&D departments and production plants just like yours are missing major opportunities to achieve very high performance and sometimes crucial performance using PTC. For example, time has just about run out on one current high profile cyanide/chloride exchange for a blockbuster pharmaceutical actually being considered for process change. Five major reasons for missing PTC opportunities are described in detail in an article by Halpern published in 1996 (click here) and unfortunately continues to be relevant today. Are you aware of any missed PTC opportunities?

The five reasons companies miss PTC opportunities are: [1] didn’t think of PTC at the crucial decision stage, [2] didn’t have the confidence that the PTC option can be developed within the deadline, [3] didn’t obtain promising results within 3-10 experiments, [4] the process wasn’t feasible (without applying highly specialized PTC expertise), [5] resistance to change. To overcome these reasons, see PTC Option Consultation below.

Please forward this PTC Tip of the Month to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe

New PTC Service
PTC Option Go/No-Go Consultation

Purpose
Provide a quick and cost-effective key decision aid during initial project planning, whether to pursue evaluation of phase-transfer catalysis as an option to achieve success or breakthrough performance for an organic reaction/process, consisting of uniquely qualified expert opinion and supported by 28 years of PTC experience and documented evidence.

Benefit & When To Use
Can be crucial to achieve highly effective R&D for organic chemical reactions/processes during:

Initiating the Project
To initiate project or obtain attractive pricing for 2005 budget planning, contact Marc Halpern at tel +1 856-222-1146, fax: +1 856-222-1124 or E-mail.

PTC Reaction of the Month
PTC/NaOH Alternative to Potassium t-Butylate

This patent describes a preferable 2-step addition reaction between adiponitrile and acrylonitrile using PTC/NaOH. A one-step process also compared using potassium t-butylate and Bu₄NHSO₄/NaOH (results of the one-step process were not impressive). This is yet another example that t-butylate can be replaced by PTC/NaOH because PTC really does enhance the basicity of hydroxide to a surprising degree! Schelhaas, M.; Jautelat, M.; (Bayer) US Patent 6,790,976, 14-Sep-2004

Phase-Transfer Catalyst of the Month
Imidazolium Ionic Liquids

Advantages
Ionic liquids are being used as recoverable non-volatile reaction solvents which act as phase-transfer catalysts/agents since they are a form of N-quats. These materials are liquid at the reaction temperature, typically under 100^oC. 
Disadvantages
Very expensive relative to other phase-transfer catalysts...though must estimate cost-benefit on a performance basis, including environmental advantages. 

Availability, Samples and Quotes from Competitors
Request samples and quotes from: GFS Chemicals, Merck, Sachem (click on link)

Other Phase-Transfer Catalysts:
PTC Supplier Directory: choose from a dozen suppliers & 80 PT catalysts and ask for free samples & quotes.

Inexpensive patent attorney (United States) familiar with Phase-Transfer Catalysis, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Contact Mannie Morgenstern by E-mail or at telephone 818-788-5531 (California). 

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Before performing any PTC reactions read this important message
Organic chemical reactions are inherently dangerous. Moreover, phase-transfer catalysis may provide rate and other enhancements which can intensify associated hazards. Under no circumstances should anyone perform any procedure on any scale based in whole or in part on any of the contents of this information provided here before thoroughly establishing safe operating procedures and performing a full and competent hazardous operations analysis with the participation of qualified technical personal trained in chemical, engineering, safety, industrial hygiene and environmental disciplines and sciences.

Policy
The list of PTC Tip of the Month subscribers will not be sold, rented or transferred and will be used only by PTC Communications, Inc. and PTC Organics, Inc. to provide information related to Phase-Transfer Catalysis. PTC Communications, Inc. reserves the right to distribute the PTC Tip of the Month to selected industrial chemists, engineers and managers.

PTC Tip of the Month #24 -September 2004
Copyright 2004 PTC Communications, Inc.

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