Glyoxylic Acid → Glyphosate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

29.6 g (0.2 mol) of 50% strength aqueous glyoxylic acid solution were warmed to 40° C. with stirring. 11.1 g (0.1 mol) of aminomethanephosphonic acid were then added in portions at 40°-45° C., whereupon a vigorous evolution of gas commenced. After completion of the addition, the temperature was increased to an internal temperature of 85° C. After about 1 h, the evolution of gas was complete. The mixture was stirred for a further 15 min at 85° C., a little water was added, and the mixture was cooled. 10 g of N-phosphonomethylglycine, m.p.: 321°-323° C. [decomp.], were obtained. After concentration of the mother liquor and digestion of the precipitated crystal slurry using methanol/water, a further 2.5 g were obtained. The total yield was thus 74% of theory.

Provenance & Evidence