One-flow upscaling neutralization of an organophosphonate-derived pesticide/nerve agent simulant to value-added chemicals in a novel Teflon microreactor platform

Abstract

Synthesizing value-added products from chemical warfare agents is a concept well beyond the usual notion of simply neutralizing the agents. We put into practice here such a concept in converting paraoxon, a nerve agent simulant, to paracetamol, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). A portable and compact platform consisting of configurable modules based on robust Teflon plate microreactors (TPMs) is devised for neutralization of paraoxon as well as consecutive three-step synthesis of paracetamol in a one-flow manner. The numbered-up TPM platform enables kilogram-scale detoxification of paraoxon within a processing time of 1.5 min at a rate of 28 g h⁻¹ (0.7 kg per day), while another platform in small but configurable system delivers the API in one flow under the pre-optimized conditions on the three-step chemistry established by a capillary reactor. The portability and robust nature of the platform make it suitable for transport and on-site use on a large scale at military installations as well as in chemical industries.