The present invention relates to a novel process for the synthesis of substituted amido phthalocyanines and to novel substituted amido phthalocyanine derivatives.

BACKGROUND.

The preparation of substituted amido phthalocyanine derivatives is well known and is described in GB 844,419 and more recently EP 0519395.

The multi-step prior art process for the production of substituted amido phthalocyanine derivatives start from the well known carboxamide of phthalocyanine. The phthalocyanine carboxamide is manufactured from a substituted phthalic acid derivative or anhydride derivative, nameiy trimellitic acid or anhydride. The trimellitic acid is reacted with phthalic acid or anhydride in the presence of urea, copper salt, and ammonium molybdate either in the presence of a high boiling organic soivent such as nitro benzene or ortho nitro toluene, or using excess urea as the solvent for the reaction. The ratio of trimellitic acid and phthaiic acid can vary depending on the desired substitution level of the phthalocyanine carboxamide. The reaction mixture is heated at 180-250° C for approx 4-20 hours. The reaction product thus obtained can be further purified by diiute aqueous acid wash, or by conventional acid pasting to yield a phthalocyanine carboxamide which is normally 90% pure.

The next stage of preparation is to hydrolyse the resulting amide to the acid followed by reaction of the acid group with sulphonyl chloride to produce the corresponding acid chloride. The final step in the synthesis of the amido phthalocyanines is the reaction of the acid chloride with the relevant amine EPOS 19395 describes a numoer of these substituted amido phthaiocyanines wherein the amido substitution has a maximum of n=2. at trie same time it describes ihe production of these derivatives from the prior art method and their use as phthalocyanine dyes and their effect in optical recording elements.

It has now been found that substituted amido phthalocyanine derivatives may be readily prepared from phthalocyanine carboxamide by reaction with amine/acid salts. This novel process involves less reaction steps than the prior art process and provides substituted amido phthalocyanine derivatives in high yield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of substituted amido phthalocyanines having the general formula I MPc-(CONR'R2) n via the reaction of a phthalocyanine carboxamide having the formula MPc (CONH2) x wherein Pc is a Phthalocyanine ring: M is a hydrogen or a metal capable of forming a metal phthalocyanine and x is a number from 0.1 to 4.0, preferably 1.0 to 3.0, with an amine acid salt denoted by formula 11. wherein R'and Rz are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; an alkyl group having 1-20 carbons; a cyclic alkyl group; an aryl group; an arylalkyl having 1- 20 carbons; an alcohol group having 2-20 carbons; an alkyl amino alkyi group; an aliphatic amine having 1-20 carbons; an aliphatic amine acid salt having 1-20 carbons; polyoxyalkylene groups ranging in molecular weight 89-2000; polyoxyalkyleneamines ranging in molecuiar weight 148-4000; Z is the hydrogen sulphate or the hydrochloride salt of the amine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel process for the synthesis of compounds denoted by formula I, which is less labour intensive than the muiti stepped prior art process, and which readily yields products at high effeciency and purity using a relatively simple method of preparation and isolation. The scope of this novel process with regard to reactants and conditions is described herein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide novel substituted amido phthalocyanine derivatives.

DESCRIPTION.

The process according to the present invention comprises the reaction of a phthalocyanine carboxamide with an amine/acid salt to provide a substituted amido phthalocyanine.

The phthalocyanine carboxamide materials suitable for use in the present process have the general formula MPc (CONH2) x wherein M is a hydrogen or a metal capable of forming a metal phthalocyanine and x is a number from 0.1 to 4.0. Highly preferred for use in the process of the present invention is the carboxamide of copper phthalocyanine wherein x is 1.0-3.0.

The amine acid salt materials suitable for use in the present process have the general formula 11 wherein R'and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen: an alkyl group having 1-20 carbons; a cyclic alkyl group; an aryl group; an arylalkyl having 1- 20 carbons; an alcohol group having 2-20 carbons ; an alkyi amino a (ky) group; an aliphatic amine having 1-20 carbons; an aliphatic amine acid salt having 1-20 carbons; polyoxyalkylene groups ranging in molecular weight 89-2000; polyoxyalkyleneamines ranging in molecular weight 148-4000 ; Z is the hydrogen sulphate or the hydrochloride salt of the amine.

Examples of C,-C20 alkyl groups suitable for use herein include: methyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, heptyl, dodecyl, hexcadecyl, octadecyl, tert-butyl, oleyi. Preferred alkyl groups R'R2 are when R'= Hydrogen and R2 is dodecyl, octadecyl, hexadecyl and oleyl.

Examples of C5-C12 cyclo alkyl groups suitable for use herein include: cydopentyl, cyclohexyl and cydo-octyi, cyclohexyl being preferred when R'= Hydrogen.

Examples of C7-C12 Aralkyl groups suitable for use herein include: benzyl or naphthylmethyl, benzyl being preferred when R'= Hydrogen.

Examples of C6-C10 Aryl groups suitable for use herein include: phenyl or napthyl, with a preference for phenyl when R'= Hydrogen.

The cydic substituents R', R2 namely the cylo-alkyl, aralkyl and aryl substituents may contain one or more substituent groups. Examples of suitable substituents include C,-C8 alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl and n-hexyl; Ci-Ce alkoxy groups such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, n-butoxy and n-hexoxy groups; hydroxy groups; nitro groups; and halogeno groups such as chloro, bromo and iodo groups.

Examples of C4-C6 alkyl amino alkyl groups suitable for use herein include: dimethyiaminoethyl, dimethylaminopropyi, diethylaminopropylamine, dimethylaminopropyl being preffered when R'= Hydrogen.

Examples of C2-CZO aliphatic amine groups suitable for use herein include: amino ethyl, amino propyl, amino butyl, amino pentyl, amino hexyl, amino heptyl, amino dodecyl amino- octyl. Preferred aliphatic amines are amino hexyl, amino heptyl, amino dodecyl and amino- octyl when R'= hydrogen.

Examples of the aliphatic amine acid salt groups suitable for use herein are as specified above however as the hydrochloride or the hydrogen sulphate. The preferred amine salts being the hydrochloride amino heptyl, amino dodecyi and amino-octyl when R'= Hydrogen.

Exampies of C2 to C20 alcohol groups suitable for use herein include : 2-hydroxyethyl. 2- hydroxy-1.1 dimethyiethyl. 3 hydroxy-2. 2-dimethyt propyf. 1 hydroxy hexyl, 1 hydroxy oropyi. 1 hydroxy pentyl. Preferred groups being 2 hydroxy propyl, 1 hydroxy hexyl and 1 hydroxy pentyl when R'= Hydrogen.

Polyoxyalkylene groups suitable for use herein have the general structure: wherein R= methyl and R'can be hydrogen or methyl depending on whether ethylene oxide or propylene oxide has been used in the polymerisation reaction.

Suitable polyoxyalkylene groups include polyoxyalkylene amines having the general structure: -----CHzCH20CHzCl-izOCH2CH2-NHZ These materials, known as the Jeffamine Series of compounds are available from the Texaco Chemical Company under the trade names Jeffamine M89 (RTM)-Jeffamine M2070 (RTM) defining mono amines and Jeffamine EDR 148 (RTM)-Jeffamine D400 (RTM) defining diamines.

Highly preferred for use as the amine acid salts in the process according to the present invention are the hydrochloride salts of the amines as hereinbefore detailed.

The phthalocyanine carboxamide can be reacted with amine salt at from an equimolar amount up to about a 100 fold excess moles, preferably 5-20 fold moles of amine salt to 1 mole of phthalocyanine carboxamide. The reaction can be carried out in the temperature range 140°C-320°C, preferably 230-300°C. The progress of the reaction within this temperature range is rapid, however to ensure completion the reaction mixture should be heated for 0.5-20 hours, preferably 1-3 hours.

The use of high boiling organic solvents may be employed such as nitrobenzene, naphthalene, ortho-nitro toluene and mixtures thereof. The preferred method is to use the melt of the amine acid salt as the soivent. This can be done due to the very high boiiing points of the amine acid salts typically in excess of 250°C, hence a melt reaction can be carried out practically and successfully within this temperature range. In most cases the isolation of the products is accomplished by separation and filtration means, as an extensive range of the amine acid salts used according to the process of the present invention are soluble in hot water. In most cases after the reaction is complete the excess amine acid salt can be removed by rinsing with hot water, before and during filtration. The use of other (water insoluble) amine acid salts requires rinsing with chloroform and ethanol to remove the excess amine salt, before filtration is carried out. Where the amine acid salts are not available in commercial form they may be readily made from the parent amine and the appropriate acid.

The present invention additionally provides novel amido substituted phthalocyanine derivatives having the general formula I: MPc-(CONRR) n wherein Pc is a Phthalocyanine ring; M is a hydrogen or a metal capable of forming a metal phthalocyanine and x is a number from 0.1 to 4.0, preferably 1.0 to 3.0; and R'and R2 are indepentely selected from hydrogen; polyoxyalkylene groups ranging in molecular weight 89-2000; polyoxyalkyleneamines ranging in molecular weight 148-4000.

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the process and products according to the present invention.

Reactions of the carboxamide of phthalocyanine and the amine acid salt go fully to completion unless specifically stat4ed to the contrary. However the final product shows quantities of Phthalocyanine present which originates from the reaction of the trimellitic acid (anhydride) and phthalic acid (anhydride) in the production of the carboxamide.

For completeness a description of the production of mono carboxamide copper phthaiocyanine CuPc (CONH2) and tetra carboxamide copper phthalocyanine CuPc (CONH2) 4 are included.

Preparation of CuPc (CONHA A mixture of 13g cupric chloride, 65 g of phthalic acid, 27 g of trimellitic acid and 0.4g of ammonium molybdate were heated in the presence of 243g of urea at about 180°C for a period of 15 hours. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool and dissloved in 98% H2S04 at 60°C with stirring, then drowned out into an ice-bath containing 500g of ice and 3 litres of cold water, ensuring that the temperature < 5°C. Filtration and washing is then carried out to yield 53g of approx 88% pure CuPc (CONH2), as measured by sulphuric acid and ceric sulphate assay.

Preparation of CuPc (CONH7) 4 A mixture of 13g cupric chloride, 122 g of trimellitic anhydride and 0.4g of ammonium molybdate were heated in the presence of 243g of urea at about 180 °C for a period of 15 hours. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool and dissloved in 98% H2SO4 at 60°C with stining, then drowned out into an ice-bath containing 500g of ice and 3 litres of cold water, ensuring that the temperature < 5°C. Filtration and washing is then carried out to yield 77g of approx 88% pure CuPc (CONH2) 4. as measured by sulphuric acid and ceric sulphate assay.

In the following examples, the Fourier-Transform Infra-Red Spectra of both the starting material, namely CuPc (CONH2) x and each of the compounds of formula 1 according to the invention are recorded on a Philips PU9800 FTIR Spectrophotometer, as KBr discs between 4000 and 400cl~'. The spectra is used in conjunction with MALDI-TOF mass-spectra of the compounds of formula) to characterise both the reaction efficiency, and the reaction products.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of mono Pronviamido cosper phthalocvanine.

5g of copper phthalocyanine mono carboxamide (88% Pure) and 10g of propyiamine hydrochloride were mixed well manuaily and heated to about 280°C for about 1 hour using an iso-mantle. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to about 60°C and then reslurried by addition of water at about 80 °C, filtration of the slurry and further washing with about 80 °C water was carried out to remove excess amine hydrochloride. The filtered washed product was dried at about 70°C in an oven to give 4.52g of mono propylamido copper phthalocyanine.

The FTIR spectrum of the CuPc carboxamide starting material and that of the final product are clearty different. Very strong peaks appear at 2900cm1 and 2850cm-'in the propylamido CuPc but not in that of the CuPc monocarboxamide. This is strong evidence for, and very characteristic of alkyl stretching activity which can be associated with the propylgroup.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of dodecvlamido copper phthalocvanine.

19.4g of dodecylamine was placed in a round bottom flask and Hydrochloride gas bubbled continuously through the amine for about 1 hour with gentle heat about 50°C to form dodecylamine hydrochloride. 5g of CuPc monocarboxamide was then added all together and thoroughly mixed together manually. The mixture was heated to about 280°C for about 2 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature then re- slurried in a minimum quantity of chloroform, and added slowly portionwise to approx 400mis of ethanol with stirring using a magnetic stirrer. Filtration and washing with ethanol was carried out and the resultant product dried at 70 °C in an oven to give 4.69g mono dodecylamido CuPc.

The FITR Spectrum of the CuPc carboxamide and the final product are clearfy different.

Very strong peaks appear at 2900cm~'and 2850cm'in the dodecylamido CuPc but not in that of the CuPc monocarboxamide. This is strong evidence for, and very characteristic of alkyl stretching activity which can be associated with the dodecyl group.

MALDI-TOF mass spectra of the CuPc carboxamide and the final product are also cleahy different. In the final product the mass spectra dearly shows the presence of mono dodecyl amido CuPc by an intense peak at 790m/z. The starting material has no corresponding peaks at these mass to charge ratios.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of octadecylamido copper phthaiocyanine.

5g of copper phthalocyanine mono carboxamide 88% Pure and 32g of octacdecylamine hydrochloride are mixed well manually and heated to about 280°C for about 2 hours using an isomantle. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and the product isolated as for Example 2, to give 4.91g mono octadecylamido CuPc.

FTIR spectra of starting material and final product were clearly different with very strong peaks at 2900cm-1 and 2850cm''for the final product, but not in the case of the CuPc carboxamide. This is strong evidence, and characteristic of alkyl stretching activity associated with the octadecyl group. Maidi-toff mass spectra of the final product highlights an intense peak at 874 m/z which represents mono octadecylamido CuPc. The starting material has no corresponding peaks at this mass to charge (m/z) ratio.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of tetra propylamido copper phthalocvanine.

3.5g of tetra carboxamide copper phthalocyanine was mixed with 18g of propylamine hydrochloride manually and heated to about 180 °C using an oil bath for about 20 hours.

The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperatureand reslun ied with hot water at about 80°C, followed by filtration and washing with hot water at about 80°C. The resulting fiitercake was given a final acetone wash, and dried at about 70 °C in an oven to give 3 g tetrapropylamido CuPc.

FTIR spectra clearty highlights the alkyl strech of the propyi group for tetra propylamido CuPc at 2900cm-1and 2850cm-1. The maldi mass spectra also highlights the statistical isomeric mix of tetra substituted product eg. 794m/z represents the mono isomer, 839m/z represents the di isomer, 883m/z represents the tri isomer and 925m/z represents tetra isom.

EXAMPLE 5 PreDaration of mono benzvlamido copper phthalocvanine 2.0 g of mono carboxamide copper phthalocyanine was mixed manually with 5.42 g of aniiine hydrochioride manually in a test-tube and heated to about 300'. or about 30 minutes using a bunsen bumer. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and reslunied in hot water at about 80°C to disslove excess aniline hydrochloride. Filtration and washing was carried out with hot water at about 80°C, fottowed by a final ethanol wash. The resultant filtercake was dried at about 70 °C in an oven to give 1.98 g of mono benzylamido CuPc.

Maldi mass spectra of the resultant product clearly shows the presence of an intense peak at 695m/z which corresponds to mono benzylamido CuPc, this peak is not present in the starting material.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of mono ohenaethytamido copper phthalocyanine 2.0 g of mono carboxamide copper phthalocyanine was mixed with 6.62 g of phenaethylamine hydrochloride manually in a test-tube and heated to about 300 °C for about 30 minutes using a bunsen bumer. The reaction mixture wasallowed to cool to room temperature and reslurried in hot water at about 80°C to disslove excess phenaethylamine hydrochloride. Filtration and washing was carried out with hot water at about 80°C followed by a final ethanol wash. The resultant fiitercake was dried at about 70 °C in an oven to give 2.2 g of mono phenaethyiamido CuPc.

The FTIR spectrum of the product indicates infra red activity of a secondary amide at 1640cm-1 compared to the primary amide of the starting material which has activity at 1605cm-1. However more conclusively Maldi mass spectra of the product clearly shows an intense peak at 724.2 m/z which corresponds to mono phenaethylamido CuPc, this peak is not present in the starting material.