Chematek at a glance
For nearly half a century, Chematek has been synonymous with excellence in metal hydride reducing agents and relative chemical step technologies, to deliver product and service solutions to the Pharma, Agrochemicals, Flavour and Fragrance industries on a global scale. Our recent expansion featuring a state-of-the-art laboratory and a team of specialized scientists, positions us as a global vanguard in reduction step technology, paving the way for safer, selective reagents and innovative synthetic pathways for API intermediates.
Advanced R&D services in reduction step technology
Following our continued commitment to share with our customers the in-depth knowledge and know-how in reduction step technology, Chematek has strategically enriched its services portfolio and capabilities through the extension of its R&D laboratory, equipment and technical team in San Vittore Olona (Milan). We stand at the forefront, ready to support pharmaceutical and other companies by applying targeted selective reduction technology for marketed and under-development drugs and substances, leveraging our expertise and extensive experience with our well-established reducing agents: Synhydrid®, Piperhydride®, and Sodium and Potassium Borohydride (NaBH4 and KBH4). Our intimate knowledge of these compounds, garnered through years of dedicated research and application, equips us to deliver customized, high-impact solutions that drive industry innovation.
Our Reducing Agents, a safer choice
Since its discovery in 1971, Synhydrid® has been widely employed in several chemical sectors, such as APIs production, Agrochemicals, Flavours and Fragrances. The non-pyrophoric nature of this reagent under ambient conditions, coupled with high solubility in organic solvents, renders it a safer alternative to LAH (Lithium aluminium hydride) with easier handling, higher safety and better economics. Depending on the functional group interconversion of interest, the use of this more targeted and effective reducing agent has often proven to lead to improved conversions. Piperhydride®, a modification of Synhydrid® with the addition of an amine as a ligand, presents a ready-made alternative to DIBAL (Diisobutylaluminium hydride), offering nuanced control for partial reduction reactions even at mild temperatures, while meeting rigorous safety and environmental regulations. Furthermore, our ability to customize Synhydrid® with various ligands enables us to fulfill the unique reduction requirements specified by our clients. Our R&D support extends to Sodium and Potassium Borohydride as well, which are widely recognized for their versatility in chemical reduction technology.
Synhydrid® and Piperhydride®: Cost effective replacements
Distinct in their resistance to oxygen and remarkable solubility in organic solvents, Synhydrid® and Piperhydride® stand out from their counterparts like LAH and DIBAL. Synhydrid® is commercially available with a minimum assay of 70% wt/wt in toluene. Notably, Synhydrid® boasts three times greater solubility in organic solvent compared to competitive selective reducing agents such as DIBAL or Lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminum hydride. This enhanced solubility translates to improved volume utilization in industrial reactors, ensuring efficient use of industrial reactor volume, larger batch processing, and reduced labor and utility costs. While reductions performed with LAH and DIBAL often require the use of cryogenic temperatures with a negative economic impact on the overall process, reactions which employ Synhydrid® and Piperhydride® are usually performed at 0°C or room temperature proving to be cost-effective alternatives.
Sodium and Potassium Borohydride: Selective Reducing Agents
While Synhydrid® and Piperhydride® cannot be used in water or protic solvents, since these reagents will react with the media, our support service at Chematek will focus on Sodium and Potassium borohydride for the reduction steps of intermediates that require these specific solvents. The use of these more stable but less powerful reagents, compared to LAH, increases the chemoselectivity and reduces unnecessary synthetic steps, thus promptly achieving the desired molecular targets.
Together towards safer chemistry
In a world prioritizing safety, Chematek continues to lead the way in guiding clients away from hazardous reduction methods towards safer and more efficient alternatives whilst seeking to improve yields and economic value. Having gained extensive knowledge of its commercial reducing agents, (Synhydrid®, Piperhydride®, Sodium Borohydride and Potassium Borohydride), Chematek offers technical know-how with a unique reduction step technology service. The priorities of our R&D support include satisfying customer requests by improving process yields and reducing production costs while simultaneously adhering to stringent security and environmental requirements. Chematek is committed to embarking on new partnerships and exploring innovative reduction methods that redefine industry standards.
Redefining excellence: Making the extraordinary, ordinary
At Chematek, we have been transforming complexity into simplicity for nearly five decades. Our relentless pursuit of innovation, customization, and solving complex chemical challenges enables our clients to convert extraordinary ideas into everyday excellence.
