Synthesis technology of high-efficiency L-glufosinate developed in China

 

L-glufosinate, also known as refined glufosinate, is highly effective, non-toxic, easily degradable, safe and convenient to use. Glufosinate is widely used in GMO crops that are glufosinate-tolerant. The herbicidal activity of L-glufosinate is twice that of ordinary glufosinate (DL type), and its amount for application per Mu is only 50% of that of DL type while application cost is basically the same. This technology can dramatically reduce the use of technical materials, which will increase the economy of products, reduce the use of pesticides and mitigate pressure on the environment. The synthesis of L-glufosinate is quite difficult and the technology used to be monopolized by overseas companies. 

 

The Shandong Pesticide Science Academy has worked hard to overcome technical difficulties and blockades controlled by foreign companies. The research program uses chiral raw materials to introduce chiral carbon atoms, to achieve the controlled synthesis of L-glufosinate via a chiral atom carbon retention technique, obtaining a high-yield and low-cost product. The technical parameters of L-glufosinate’s yield, quality, pollution control and reclamation are world-class in China, which has created an innovative L-glufosinate crystal form, a breakthrough in the crystal form monopolized by overseas companies, thus eliminating intellectual property barriers and paving the way for the industrialization of L-glufosinate.  

 

The technology is currently being transferred to a Chinese pesticide manufacturer, where an industrialization project with a capacity of 10,000 tons is currently under construction. Once the project begins production, it will have a considerable impact on the Chinese herbicide industry.