Page 139 - CW E-Magazine (15-7-2025)

CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory

Novel process for manufacturing p-Aminophenol (PAP) from

p-Chloronitrobenzene (PCNB)
OH
CSIR-NCL has developed a cost-effective and sustainable catalytic
process for the manufacturing of Para-Aminophenol (PAP) — a
critical intermediate for Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) production.
India currently imports approximately 25,000 TPA of PAP, with
70–80% sourced from China. To become self-reliant there is a strong
need to adopt indigenous technologies. Our developed process NH 2
offers an improved alternative to the existing PNCB route, CAS:120-30-8
addressing several process-related challenges. The technology is
demonstrated successfully at 0.5 kg/PAP batch scale and TRL 4. This
process is now available for licensing and co-development.

Technology Available For Licensing/ Co-development

BACKGROUND PAP MARKET

PAP is the key starting material (KSM) for the 157,000 TPA (2023) worldwide demand
production of paracetamol
$620.6 M global PAP market size (2024)
Existing PNCB process is associated with
several drawbacks viz. generation of Expected to grow at 6.1% CAGR to $1.05
considerable alkaline effluent wastewater, less billion by 2034
throughput, high utility requirement, use of India imports of PAP 21000-25000 TPA & 70-
expensive noble catalyst, PAP quality issues, 80% is from China
etc.
Our improved technology addresses the above VALUE PROPOSITION
mentioned challenges; offering cost-effective
andviable alternative Improved & Cost-effective process
Inexpensive non-noble metal catalyst
TECHNOLOGY OFFERING 100% conversion of PNCB to PAP

CSIR-NCL’s novel catalytic process for PAP Green process (Organic solvent free process)
is available for licensing and co-development: Higher productivity as compared to the
conventional process
Recyclable non-noble metal catalyst Reduced water footprint (Significant
Demonstration scale: 0.5 kg/PAP batch reduction in effluent generation compared to
Complete conversion of PNCB to PAP the commercial process)
Yield: 85 to 90%
Purity: 95-97 % Patent protected technology
Organic solvent free process Application
KSM for production Paracetamol
Contact: Dr. Mangesh Vetal, IP: IN202311061153
Technology Management Group
Email: md.vetal@ncl.res.in CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory,
Phone No: +91-20-2590-2138 / 2638 Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune - 411008, India.

Chemical Weekly July 15, 2025 139

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