Manufacturing Process
A 100 gallon lined jacketed kettle provided with cooling is charged with 100 lb
of benzylamine and 150 liters of water. The mixture is cooled to 5°C and with
stirring 119 lb of β-chloropropionyl chloride and a solution of 45 lb of sodium
hydroxide pellets in 40 liters of water are added simultaneously at such a rate
that the temperature does not exceed 10°C. During this period the pH of the mixture should be on the alkaline side but below pH 9.5. When the addition is
complete the pH should be about 8. The mixture is stirred overnight in the
cold, and the solid product is filtered. The filter cake is reslurred with about 80
gallons of water, filtered, and air-dried. Yield, 128 pounds.
The crude material is recrystallized by dissolving it in the minimal quantity of
hot methanol (about 50 gallons), adding Norite, and filtering hot. Upon
cooling slowly (finally to about 5°C) large crystals separate: they are filtered
and air-dried. Yield, 109 pounds. Melting point 92° to 93°C.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by ingestion,intraperitoneal and intravenous routes. When heated todecomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cl
- and NOx.An anticonvulsant.
