The Synthesis of 3-Nitrooxypropanol, a Methane Mitigant for Sustainable Farming with Environmental Impact: A Review

Abstract

Herein it is summarized and critically discussed the different methods reported in the current literature and patents for the synthesis of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). Among the small molecules 3-NOP is possibly one of the smallest (chemical formula: C₃H₇NO₄; molecular weight: 121.09) showing interesting biological properties. Particularly, 3-NOP is an efficient inhibitor of methyl CoM reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the last step of methanogenesis in anaerobic systems (e.g., ruminants), and a potent methane mitigant, able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. 3-NOP is the active ingredient of Bovaer, a feed additive for ruminants. Furthermore, 3-NOP has been incorporated in a number of nitrate esters as NO-donors, showing diverse pharmacological activities for the treatment of inflammation or cardiovascular diseases.

1 Introduction

2 Synthetic Approaches to 3-NOP Based on the Nitrating Agent

3 From 3-NOP to Bovaer

4 Conclusions

Key words

Bovaer - methane emission reduction - nitrate esters - nitric acid - 3-nitrooxypropanol - silver nitrate

Publication History

Received: 05 December 2022

Accepted after revision: 21 February 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
21 February 2023

Article published online:
15 March 2023

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Excellent original work and review articles are available concerning Bovaer or 3-NOP together with detailed descriptions of the methane mitigation effect:
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A procedure for 3-NOP was given therein as follows:
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In this article, Rekka and co-workers also reported the synthesis of 3-NOP from 3-chloropropan-1-ol in 40% yield as follows:
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