Methane → Glyphosate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of the disodium salt of N-phosphonomethylglycine is prepared as in Example 1. To 27.5 grams (0.0437 mole) of the solution is added 5.1 grams (0.05 mole) of ethyl glycidyl ether. The solution is diluted with 30 ml. water and 1 drop of Aliquat 336 phase-transfer catalyst solution is added. It is then rotated on a polymer wheel for 5 days, treated with 1.0 gram of ethyl glycidyl ether, rotated for 10 days, then warmed with charcoal and filtered to remove resinous material. The solution is then rotoevaporated to dryness, and the solid is redried over potassium hydroxide pellets at 100° C. and <1 mm. Hg. The product, obtained as a tan, brittle foamed glass, is the disodium salt of N-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxy-1-propyl)-N-phosphonomethylglycine. Elemental analysis shows 31.15% carbon, 5.62% hydrogen and 8.87% phosphorus as against calculated values of 30.49%, 5.12% and 9.83% for C8H16NNa2O7P.

Provenance & Evidence