Challenge closed
Benzocaine Innovation Power
With your ideas, unleash the potential of chemical methods or materials to empower Benzocaine (Et-PABA), and take part in Evonik’s discovery journey in the world of specialty chemicals.
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SUBMISSION WAS FEB. 10th, 2020
CHALLENGE CLOSED
Status Quo
Benzocaine (Et-PABA) was first discovered in 1890 by the German chemist Eduard Ritsert. In 1902 it was marketed under the name "Anesthäsin". Benzocaine (Et-PABA) is mostly used in a wide range of medical procedures, for example, as a local anaesthetic, cough medicine, or analgesics.
For the synthesis of Benzocaine (Et-PABA), p-aminobenzoic acid "PABA" in 99% purity is usually used by applying the so-called Fischer esterification reaction. Non-pharmaceutical applications of Benzocaine (Et-PABA), however, do not always benefit from a high purity of the synthesis material, which is achieved with a corresponding financial outlay.
The Challenge
The production of p-aminobenzoic acid, PABA, with a purity below 99% and above 95% with a corresponding lower cost has not been reported so far. At the same time, a broad selection of PABA substitutes is missing. Thus, the wider use of PABA and Benzocaine (Et-PABA) is prevented in non-pharmaceutical applications.
Together with our partner Evonik Industries AG (www.evonik.com), we are therefore looking for new ways to accelerate the potential of broader use of Benzocaine (Et-PABA) and its structural analogues. You have numerous opportunities to participate – From the identification of suitable suppliers by market exploration to the development of novel chemical processes for PABA or Benzocaine (Et-PABA), their substitutes or completely new substances.
Tracks
To participate in this challenge, you can use one of the following four tracks to help unfold the potential of Benzocaine (Et-PABA)/PABA.
IDENTIFY AN EFFICIENT MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER
The first option to participate in the challenge is to find and communicate a cost-effective supplier or manufacturer for Benzocaine (Et-PABA) or PABA of 95% or more percent purity.
OFFER OR DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS
The second way of participating is to develop or (as a manufacturer) offer an alternative manufacturing method of PABA or Benzocaine (Et-PABA), which is more cost-effective to use than conventional methods or productions. If chosen, the produced PABA can have a purity of between 95-99%. A theoretical concept of an efficient/innovative production method is sufficient to participate.
DEVELOP A PABA SUBSTITUTE
The third option to participate is by developing a non-pharmaceutical grade substance that is similar to PABA in its chemical structure and can replace it as a synthetic material for the production of Benzocaine (Et-PABA). Ideally, the developed substance is also cost-effective to produce. A theoretical concept of a PABA substitute is sufficient to participate.
DEVELOP A BENZOCAINE (Et-PABA) SUBSTITUTE
The fourth option to participate is by developing a substance that equals Benzocaine (Et-PABA) in its chemical structure and has the same properties. Ideally, the developed substance is also cost-effective to produce. A theoretical concept of a new Benzocaine (Et-PABA) substitute is sufficient to participate.
Deadline
Feb. 10th, 2020