4-Formylmorpholine

Description

4-Formylmorpholine is an excellent non-protonic solvent. It is widely used as a solvent and extractant for aromatics. It is used as a detergent for acid gases. In the field of organic synthesis, it can be used to prepare labelled 14C, 4-(trifluoromethyl)morpholine, 3-alkyl-2-chloro-5,6-dihydrobenzaldehyde, triple-biphenyldialdehyde and phenylpropargyl aldehyde. It plays an important role in the desulphurisation of natural gas, syngas, flue gas and petrol.

Chemical Properties

CLEAR YELLOW LIQUID
N-formylmorpholine is a colourless transparent liquid soluble in water. It is chemically stable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive but can also dissolve aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and water because of its unique structure. N-formylmorpholine would largely reduce the volatility of aromatic hydrocarbon when dissolving the latter. Thus, it can extract, distill and recycle aromatic hydrocarbon. Besides, this compound is also applied in C4 (LNG) cracking projects for desulfuration and solvent extraction, which can increase the yield (relative to DMF, ACN, and NMP processes). At present, this application has been adopted in China. It should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat. Avoid the use of mechanical equipment that would produce sparks. Handle gently, avoiding damage to the packaging and containers.

Uses

4-Formylmorpholine is widely used as a solvent and extracting agent for aromatics. It is used as a scrubbing agent for acidic gases. It is employed in the preparation of adenine hydrochloride labeled with 14C, 4-(trifluoromethyl)morpholine, 3-alkyl-2-chloro-5,6-dihydrobenzaldehyde and terphenyl dialdehyde. It plays an important role in the desulfurization of natural gas, synthetic gas, flue gas and gasoline.

Uses

4-Formylmorpholine has been used in the preparation of:

• adenine hydrochloride labelled with ¹⁴C
• terphenyl dialdehyde

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 25, p. 199, 1960 DOI: 10.1021/jo01072a012

General Description

Treatment of 4-formylmorpholine with sulphur tetrafluoride in the presence of potassium fluoride gives 4-(trifluoromethyl)morpholine in excellent yields. 4-Formylmorpholine reacts with series of 2-alkyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ones in the presence of POCl₃ to give the corresponding 3-alkyl-2-chloro-5,6-dihydrobenzaldehydes and allylic alcohols (by-product).

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable