SF-Chem extends aliphatic and aromatic sulfonyl derivatives

In the range of aliphatic and aromatic sulfonyl chlorides and their derivatives SF-Chem has broadened its portfolio with new products, namely 2,4,6-Triisopropylbenzene sulfonyl chloride (TPSCL) and 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzene sulfonyl chloride (TMBSC). Both products were recently launched and are now part of the regular product portfolio.

Different sulfonation reagents are available on-site. For direct sulfonation or chlorosulfonation of aromatics to the corresponding sulfonic acids and chlorides, respectively, either liquid sulfur trioxide, chlorosulfonic acid or amine sulfur trioxide complexes are used.

The reaction is followed by an in situ chlorination with thionyl chloride. Derivatives of sulfonyl chlorides can be easily prepared in subsequent reactions.

Aliphatic sulfonyl chlorides are produced by a different route. Alkyl sulfonyl chlorides are produced by oxidation and chlorination of the corresponding mercaptane compounds in the presence of chlorine.

The SF-Chem product range includes 'smaller' 1-Propane sulfonyl chloride and 1-Butane sulfonyl chloride up to 'larger' Dodecane sulfonyl chloride.

Sulfonations and chlorinations are core technologies of Swiss based SF-Chem. The reagents used for the different reactions are produced on-site, taking advantage of a unique integrated production system and captive use for safe handling.

In this integrated production system chlorine and sulfur trioxide are produced in separate plants as most important starting materials for sulfonated and chlorinated reagents and intermediates. With these reagents in further steps specialties and fine chemicals are produced.

2,4,6-Triisopropyl sulfonyl chloride (TPSCL) and 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzene sulfonyl chloride (TMBSC) are bulky molecules and used in different applications as protection groups. The preparation of chiral sulfonamide/Schiff base ligands is also described. TPSCL is an intermediate in one of the possible syntheses of Lovastatin.

SF Chem also has production facilities for pivaloyl chloride on a commercial scale, which is used as an intermediate for the drug industry. The plant has a total production capacity of 24,000t per year.