Our research program is committed to the definition of waste-minimized and eco-friendly synthetic procedures for the production of fine chemicals using water [1] or solvent-free conditions (SolFC).[2] Our goal is to take green chemistry principles in flow by defining novel sustainable processes based on the combination of heterogeneous catalysts and continuous-flow reactors able to operate in safer media and to drastically reduce waste production. This approach should allow a) the highest intimacy between the reactants and their optimal access to the catalytic sites, b) to avoid mechanical stirring and high pressures and b) the recovery of the final products using the minimal amount of organic solvents and therefore minimizing the production of waste. Commercially available solid supports (organic or inorganic) have been developed to be used in the presence of a reaction medium and designed to deal with the related swelling processes. Besides, mechanical stirring of the reaction mixture often causes the complete crunching of the solid catalyst hampering its recovery and reuse. Our current studies are mainly directed towards the design and synthesis of tailor-made supports able to be effectively used in continuous-flow reactors operating under SolFC or in the presence of a dispersion medium such as water. The novel solid supports should mainly solve the problems related to their swelling and the consequent internal pressure. Some examples from our laboratory will be presented in this communication.
New synthetic tools for the definition of sustainable continuous-flow reactors
VACCARO, Luigi;LANARI, DANIELA;PIZZO, Ferdinando;MARROCCHI, Assunta
2012
Abstract
Our research program is committed to the definition of waste-minimized and eco-friendly synthetic procedures for the production of fine chemicals using water [1] or solvent-free conditions (SolFC).[2] Our goal is to take green chemistry principles in flow by defining novel sustainable processes based on the combination of heterogeneous catalysts and continuous-flow reactors able to operate in safer media and to drastically reduce waste production. This approach should allow a) the highest intimacy between the reactants and their optimal access to the catalytic sites, b) to avoid mechanical stirring and high pressures and b) the recovery of the final products using the minimal amount of organic solvents and therefore minimizing the production of waste. Commercially available solid supports (organic or inorganic) have been developed to be used in the presence of a reaction medium and designed to deal with the related swelling processes. Besides, mechanical stirring of the reaction mixture often causes the complete crunching of the solid catalyst hampering its recovery and reuse. Our current studies are mainly directed towards the design and synthesis of tailor-made supports able to be effectively used in continuous-flow reactors operating under SolFC or in the presence of a dispersion medium such as water. The novel solid supports should mainly solve the problems related to their swelling and the consequent internal pressure. Some examples from our laboratory will be presented in this communication.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
