Process for microwave assisted synthesis of N-methyl pyrrolidone

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for microwave assisted synthesis of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). Particularly the process relates to the synthesis of N-methyl succinimide or corresponding analogs by using microwave irradiation which on hydrogenation in the presence of a hydrogenating catalyst gives N-methyl pyrrolidone. Compared to the conventional heating microwave process requires less energy inputs and reduces the reaction time drastically from 5-6 h to 2-5 min.

主权项

1. A process for synthesis of N-methyl pyrrolidone, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) reacting a dicarboxylic acid or corresponding anhydride with non-aqueous methylamine with a molar ratio in the range 1:1 to 1:10 in the solid state using microwave irradiation in the range of 600-900 W for a period of 1 to 10 minutes to obtain an intermediate N-methyl imide; (b) separating and purifying the intermediate N-methyl imide thus formed; and (c) converting the intermediate N-methyl imide to N-methyl pyrrolidone.