The Production Process of 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile: An Overview of Chemical Industry

3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile (CAS No.
1037-07-1) is a commonly used intermediate in the production of various chemicals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
The chemical reaction involved in the synthesis of 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile is a complex process that involves several steps and requires strict attention to detail to ensure the production of a high-quality product.

In this article, we will examine the production process of 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile, including the various reactions involved and the equipment required for each step.
We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this process and the factors that need to be considered when scaling up production.

Overview of 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile

3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile is a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.
It is soluble in water and organic solvents, and its chemical structure consists of a nitrile group (-CN) attached to a phenyl ring, which is substituted with a methyl group and a chlorine atom.
This compound is typically used as a intermediate in the production of pyrethroid insecticides, such as deltamethrin and cyhalothrin, and in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings.

Reactions involved in the Production Process

The production process of 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile involves several steps, including the following:

Step 1: Chlorination of Anisole

In this step, anisole (methoxybenzene) is chlorinated using chlorine gas to form 2-chloroanisole.
The reaction is as follows:

C6H5OCH3 + Cl2 → C6H5OCH2Cl

Step 2: Nitration of 2-chloroanisole

In the second step, 2-chloroanisole is nitrated using nitric acid to form 3-chloro-2-nitroanisole.
The reaction is as follows:

C6H5OCH2Cl + HNO3 → C6H5OCN2H

Step 3: Reduction of 3-chloro-2-nitroanisole

In this step, 3-chloro-2-nitroanisole is reduced using hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst, such as palladium, to form 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile.
The reaction is as follows:

C6H5OCN2H + H2 → C6H5OCNC

Step 4: Recovery and Purification of the Product

Finally, the resulting 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile is recovered and purified by distillation, crystallization, or other appropriate methods.

Equipment Required for the Production Process

The production process of 3-chloro-4-methylpicolinonitrile requires several pieces of equipment, including the following:

• Chlorination reactor
• Nitration reactor
• Reduction reactor
• Distillation or crystallization equipment
• Palladium catalyst