Continuous process for preparing N-phosphonomethyl glycine

摘要

In general the present invention relates to a continuous process for manufacturing (N-phosphonomethyl) glycine, glyphosate, by the catalyzed oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid. Glyphosate can be provided in high yield and in a cost efficient process by minimizing the competing side reactions and by-products. The process includes conducting the oxidation reaction and selecting an appropriate catalyst to maximize the rate of the oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid while at the same time minimizing the rate of oxidation of glyphosate in the same reaction.