2-Methyl Tetrahydrofuran (MTHF) as an Alternative Green Solvent Medium for Organic Reactions

Abstract

2-Methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF) is a commercially available solvent that is produced from renewable resources. The properties of MTHF place it between tetrahydrofuran (THF) and diethyl ether (DEE) in terms of solvent polarity and Lewis base strength. MTHF is partially miscible in water; whilst THF is infinitely miscible in water resulting simple solvent recovery, easy product isolation and improved extraction yields (MTHF reduces costs by reducing the number of extraction steps). Due to MTHF’s potential physical and chemical properties, it can replace THF and DEE solvents in organo-metallic and other pharmaceutical reactions. Objective of the research work include studying possibility of replacement of organic solvent THF to green solvent MTHF as a reaction medium in pharmaceutical applications. Presented research work includes kinetics, parametric, determination of optimum reaction conditions and reaction performance study in MTHF solvent for production of Cefixime Trihydrate and Lisinopril. This project work is also intended to show that MTHF is a green and cost- effective alternative to THF, based on actual application of the solvent in pharmaceutical industry. By comparing performance of MTHF with THF, it is concluded that the reaction yield improved significantly, stability of solvent to acid and base increased and the work-up is simplified in MTHF solvent. This project also demonstrates through the practical commercial example the economic and environmental advantages offered by MTHF with improved productivity.