The PCI Difference – Alternative Chemistries Replace Expensive Reagent

However, triflic anhydride is an expensive, very reactive reagent. In addition the side-products formed during the reaction were often difficult to separate from the product causing impurities in the final product.

To make the project economically viable for both the customer and PCI Synthesis, our team evaluated numerous alternative reaction chemistries.

After an extensive review of the literature, PCI replaced triflic anhydride with another activating reagent called perfluorobutane sulfonyl fluoride (PBSF). PBSF is commercially available at reasonable pricing. The reagent has low water reactivity and is stable at room temperature, thus making it easy to handle. It also is soluble in common organic solvents. This reagent was successfully used in our process under mild conditions giving PCI a safe, economically viable process for the plant and our customer.

This is just another example of how the PCI Synthesis technical team works diligently to develop creative, economically and safer solutions to complex process chemistries. We welcome the opportunity to partner with you in developing your next chemistry!