Organic Chemistry: Current Research
Open Access

Greener solvent systems in synthesis and polymer processing

2^nd International Conference on Past and Present Research Systems of Green Chemistry

September 14-16, 2015 Orlando, USA

Janet L Scott

University of Bath, UK

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Organic Chem Curr Res

Abstract :

Solvents can contribute significantly to waste and hazard associated with both chemical synthesis and materials preparation. Solvent alternatives, such as water or supercritical CO2, have been proposed (and some expound the greenness of solvent-free processes), but there are applications that remain challenging. These include organic synthetic procedures requiring dipolar aprotic solvents and polymer dissolution and processing. It is often difficult to identify alternatives to traditional dipolar aprotic solvents such as DMF, NMP or DMAc, yet these are associated with reproductive hazards and may add significantly to process mass intensity, due to the downstream processing required. Many of the replacements suggested are likely to exhibit similar characteristics when fully tested and legislation in Europe will make it increasingly difficult to use such solvents in production-alternatives are actively sought. Here we describe both a methodology for â�?�?intelligent selection of greener solventsâ�?, focused on identification of replacements for traditional dipolar aprotic solvents (e.g. in SNAr reactions) and organic solvent/ionic liquid combinations for processing of renewable polymers (e.g. cellulose) in composite materials production. In the former, we demonstrate a systematic approach to identifying solvent alternatives for specific applications and, in the latter, how understanding intermolecular interactions and the mechanism of dissolution can lead to identification of the â�?�?bestâ�? system, with respect to safety and production of materials with specific properties. The approaches described here are applicable in a wide range of solvent applications and may provide opportunities in many areas, e.g. the production of greener inks and coatings, or identification of solvents for use in cleaning operations.

Biography :

Email: j.l.scott@bath.ac.uk