The purpose of this research is to use the Principles of Green Chemistry to develop a safer and more efficient pathway to produce Dilantin (<i>5,5’-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione</i>), a pharmaceutical drug that is used in the prevention and control of grand mal seizures and complex partial seizures.<i> </i>The synthesis of Dilantin is made up of three separate steps. The first step of the synthesis is the production of Benzoin. Almond extract, a sustainable material, replaces benzaldehyde as the starting material. The second step of the synthesis is the oxidation of Benzoin to Benzil. Different oxidation methods were studied in order to optimize a less hazardous route to Benzil as well as to reduce the amount of waste. The last step of the synthesis is the production of Dilantin from Benzil. The final step incorporates the use of solar energy in order to increase the energy efficiency.

Synthesis of dilantin using green chemistry

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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