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The amount of water in the reaction is crucial for the cyclization of iminodisuccinic acid. Here's why:
Hydrolysis of Maleic Anhydride: The initial reaction with KOH likely involves the hydrolysis of maleic anhydride to form maleic acid. Water is essential for this step, as it breaks the anhydride ring.
Formation of the Intermediate: The subsequent reaction with ammonia involves the formation of an intermediate species where the maleic acid reacts with ammonia. The presence of water can influence the equilibrium of this step.
Cyclization: The final cyclization to form iminodisuccinic acid requires the removal of water. The higher temperature (120°C) helps drive this equilibrium towards product formation by favoring the dehydration reaction.
To optimize the reaction:
Water Amount: The initial water amount should be sufficient for the hydrolysis of maleic anhydride. You could start with a stoichiometric amount or slightly more. However, excessive water might hinder cyclization. You might need to investigate different water ratios to find the optimum.
Heating: The heating steps at 60°C and 120°C likely have different purposes. The initial heating might be for the initial reaction with KOH, while the final heating is for the cyclization.
Note: This analysis is based on general chemical principles and assumptions. The exact reaction conditions might require further experimental investigation.