PROCESS OF PRODUCTION OF (S) -METOLACHLOR

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for production of the herbicide (S) -metolachlor comprising a step of hydrogenation of N-( 2 '-methyl-6'-ethyl-phenyl ) -N-(1-methoxymethyl ) ethylimine to (S)-N-( 2 '-methyl -6'-ethyl-phenyl ) -N- (1-methoxylmethyl ) ethylamine in the presence of an iridium complex and a phosphine-phosphoramidite ligand, an additive selected from iodine or an alkaline metal salt thereof and an aprotic solvent, at a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 90 °C and a hydrogen pressure in the range of 5 to 80 bar.