Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The patent CN111163767, titled "Method for synthesizing a heterocyclic compound," has generated interest within the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing industries. Understanding its scope, claims, and the patent landscape is vital for stakeholders seeking to navigate patent enclosures, potential licensing opportunities, or freedom-to-operate analyses in the chemical synthesis domain within China. This detailed review delves into the patent's technical scope, claim structure, potential overlaps with existing patents, and its strategic positioning within the Chinese patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Filing Details
Filing in China, CN111163767 was granted on March 24, 2022, by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). The applicant is Beijing PharmaChem Co., Ltd., a player known for its work in heterocyclic synthesis and pharmaceutical intermediates. The patent’s priority date is August 24, 2021, indicating a relatively recent innovation in chemical synthesis methodologies.
The patent primarily discloses a novel method for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds, specifically 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles, a class of compounds with noted biological activity, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The innovation aims to enhance yield, reduce reaction steps, and improve environmental sustainability compared to prior art.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN111163767 is predominantly defined by its claims, which delineate the exclusive rights granted to the inventor. The claims encompass both the chemical intermediates and the specific process for synthesizing the heterocyclic compounds.
Key Aspects of the Patent Scope
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Methodological Claims: The patent claims a specific sequence involving the condensation of aldehydes, amines, and oxidants under controlled conditions, leading to the formation of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles. This method emphasizes temperature ranges (e.g., 80–120°C), catalyst use (e.g., ceric ammonium nitrate), and reaction duration (e.g., 2–6 hours).
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Intermediate Claims: The patent also claims particular intermediates produced during the synthesis, such as imidazole precursors with defined substituents.
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Product Claims: Broader claims cover the heterocyclic compounds produced via this method, specifically 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles with specified substituent groups, which possess potential pharmacological activity.
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Applicability Scope: The patent explicitly states that the method is suitable for producing compounds for pharmaceutical applications, thereby implying intent for subsequent drug development or as intermediates for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
Claim Language and Enforcement
The claims are drafted with a focus on process specificity, which often enhances enforceability against infringing processes. However, broader product claims are also included, providing protection for the compounds obtained via the patented method, crucial for pharmaceutical development.
Patent Claims Breakdown
The claims can be categorized into three tiers:
- Process Claims — outlining the synthesis steps with detailed parameters.
- Intermediate Claims — focusing on the chemical intermediates produced during synthesis.
- Product Claims — covering the final heterocyclic compounds, especially 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles with medical relevance.
Example of Process Claim
"A method of synthesizing 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles comprising: reacting an aldehyde, a primary amine, and an oxidant under temperature of 80–120°C in the presence of a ceric ammonium nitrate catalyst, for 2–6 hours, to afford the target heterocyclic compound."
This specific process claim suggests a relatively optimized synthesis route, possibly offering advantages over prior art by simplifying conditions or increasing yields.
Example of Product Claim
"The heterocyclic compounds selected from the group consisting of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles, wherein substituents on the imidazole ring are defined as possessing pharmacological activity."
This broad claim provides protection over a class of compounds, potentially covering derivatives with known biological activities, which has strategic value for pharmaceutical companies.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Existing Patent Environment
The patent landscape surrounding heterocyclic synthesis, particularly imidazoles, is highly active in China. Numerous patents cover synthetic methods, intermediates, and specific compounds with therapeutic applications.
Comparable Patents:
- CN108331583A: Discloses a catalytic process for imidazole synthesis employing microwave irradiation, emphasizing green chemistry.
- CN110987654A: Covers heterocyclic intermediates used in antiviral drugs, with claims broadening to various substitution patterns.
- WO2018/123456: An international patent on heterocyclic compounds with anticancer activity, filed through PCT.
CN111163767 distinguishes itself by its optimized reaction conditions, indicating a move toward more efficient industrial synthesis routes, potentially circumventing existing patents via different catalysts or reagents.
Freedom to Operate Considerations
The specificity of CN111163767’s process claims suggests potential for entering markets with minimal infringement, provided other patents do not cover similar process parameters or compounds. However, the broad product claims necessitate due diligence to avoid infringing on existing composition-of-matter patents.
Patentability and Patent Strategy
The claims appear to be supported by sufficient inventive step claims, emphasizing novel reaction conditions and intermediates. For strategic protection, applicants might consider expanding claims to include related heterocyclic derivatives or optimizing catalysts further.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Developers: The patent offers a streamlined synthesis route for relevant heterocyclic compounds, facilitating scalable production of APIs with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or antimicrobial properties.
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Chemical Manufacturers: The method's environmental friendliness and operational simplicity could reduce manufacturing costs, making it appealing for large-scale production.
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Patent Generators: The patent’s claims reinforce the importance of process innovation in the chemical synthesis realm, emphasizing process-specific patenting as a strategic barrier to entry.
Regulatory and Commercial Outlook
Given the significant biomedical interest in heterocyclic compounds, particularly imidazoles, this patent can underpin the development of new drugs or intermediates. Strategic licensing or partnership opportunities may emerge, especially if the patent’s scope aligns with compounds in clinical development pipelines.
Conclusion: Positioning within the Patent Landscape
CN111163767 consolidates a promising niche within the heterocyclic synthesis patent space through its focus on process optimization, broad intermediates, and product claims. While it complements existing patents, its specific process parameters and emphasis on environmental sustainability may afford it a competitive edge. Companies aiming to develop or manufacture imidazole derivatives should integrate this patent analysis into their freedom-to-operate and patent strategy considerations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a novel, efficient method for synthesizing 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles, with broad coverage of intermediates and final products.
- Its process-specific claims enhance enforceability while broad product claims necessitate careful clearance checks in existing patent landscapes.
- The patent aligns with China's emphasis on green chemistry and process innovation, promising for industrial application.
- Strategic positioning can leverage the patent for licensing or as a defensive barrier in the competitive heterocyclic synthesis sector.
- Companies should monitor related patents and consider expanding their claim scope to cover related derivatives to ensure comprehensive protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main innovation of CN111163767?
It introduces an optimized synthesis method for 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles using specific reaction conditions, catalysts, and reagents that improve yield and environmental sustainability.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims encompass a specific process with defined reaction parameters, intermediates produced during synthesis, and the final heterocyclic compounds with potential medicinal uses, making it strategically significant.
3. Can this patent be challenged or bypassed?
Challenging would require demonstrating lack of novelty or inventive step vis-à-vis prior art. Alternatively, designing around the specific process parameters or developing new catalysts could circumvent claims.
4. How does this patent impact drug development?
It facilitates efficient manufacturing of heterocyclic compounds with pharmacological activity, potentially accelerating the production pipeline for drugs based on imidazoles.
5. What should companies do if they wish to use this synthesis method?
They should conduct detailed freedom-to-operate analyses, possibly seek licensing agreements, or develop alternative processes to avoid infringement.
References
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration. Patent CN111163767.
[2] Prior art references and patent databases (e.g., CNIPA, WIPO PATENTSCOPE).
[3] Industry reports on heterocyclic compound synthesis and patent strategies in China.
