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From an Accident to Mass Production... |
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The production of saccharine is not only easy, but inexpensive and can be done in bulk. To obtain saccharin you must first have toluene (C6H5CH3.) Cl2SO2OH is added making two products- one SO2Cl formation is attached to the ortho site of the phenyl group, another SO2Cl formation is attached to the para site of the phenyl group. Ammonium chloride is then added to the mixture and replaces the chlorine in the SO2Cl group on the ortho site. The substance is then purified, separated, and placed in a high concentration of potassium permanganate and heated to 150° C. The methyl group will then change to a carboxyl group (COOH.) This change will cause the molecule to "self-cyclize" and release saccharin and water. Lastly, a base is added to swap the hydrogen atom bonded to the nitrogen atom with a metal ion such as calcium or sodium.
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