| CPC C07D 207/04 (2013.01) | 20 Claims |
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1. A method of preparing MEP comprising the steps of:
(a) adding N-methylpyrrolidine to an excess amount of ethyl bromide located in a reactor, wherein the N-methylpyrrolidine will react with the ethyl bromide forming MEP, wherein the reaction will have a reaction temperature that varies;
(b) stopping addition of N-methylpyrrolidine when the excess of ethyl bromide to the N-methylpyrrolidine falls within a range of 3:1 to 1.5:1;
(c) adding water to the reactor creating a two phase system to develop which includes:
(i) a top layer containing aqueous MEP and
(ii) a bottom layer containing ethyl bromide;
(d) separating the top layer from the bottom layer yielding a first aqueous solution of MEP and a second solution of ethyl bromide; and
(e) removing N-methylpyrrolidine and ethyl bromide from the first aqueous solution of MEP.
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