Highest Percentage Yield Research Articles

Humic acid: A promising bio-organic catalyst for green synthesis of phenol in aqueous medium at room temperature

A simple and mild catalytic protocol has been described using humic acid as a reusable catalyst for the synthesis of phenol in aqueous medium. Humic acid is an inexpensive, non-toxic and easily available high molecular weight polymer. The mentioned catalytic protocol utilizes hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant and water: isopropanol as solvent which has several advantages like commercially available, cheap and reusable catalyst, high percentage yield, short reaction time, room temperature etc.

Removal of sulphur and nitrogen compounds from model fuel by adsorption of modified activated carbon

This study aimed to achieve the highest percentage removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT), quinoline (QUI), and indole (IND) adsorbed by double-impregnated modified activated carbon (MAC). Modification of commercial activated carbon (AC) by sulphuric acid (H2SO4) of 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, and 75% w/v followed by subsequent 1 zinc chloride (ZnCl2): 1 AC impregnation ratio and activated at 500 oC in a muffle furnace under self-generated atmosphere for an hour. The determination of optimized MAC was identified through the highest removal rate of DBT, QUI, and IND from adsorption experiments which were analysed using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. It was found that DBT and IND showed a removal high percentage of up to 86.23% and 82.77% respectively by using 75% H2SO4 with ZnCl2 MAC. Meanwhile, QUI favoured 30% H2SO4 with ZnCl2 MAC with a removal percentage of 33.17% which was still higher than unmodified AC. Physical and chemical properties such as the morphological structure, elemental analysis, porosity, pore size, surface functional group, percentage yield, pH, bulk density, content, ash content, and iodine number were studied for the optimized MAC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the MAC. Both MACs showed high percentage yields of 72.08% and 71.13% for 30% and 75% H2SO4 and ZnCl2 MAC respectively. Meanwhile, the pH was between the ranges of 5.36-5.53 for both MACs. Bulk densities were also favourable while the moisture and ash content were within acceptable limits. Iodine numbers for 30% and 75% H2SO4 and ZnCl2 MAC were 857 and 861 mg/g respectively, hence indicating that the MAC achieved high porosity and good adsorption performance. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherm models as well as pseudo-first order (PFO) and pseudo-second order (PSO) kinetic models were considered for understanding the adsorption mechanisms. The study revealed that DBT, QUI, and IND removal processes, followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with correlation coefficients, R2 of 0.9905, 0.9791, and 0.9964 respectively. Moreover, the adsorption kinetic data of DBT, QUI, and IND provided a better fitting to the PSO kinetic model with R2 of 0.9992, 0.9987, and 0.9998 respectively. According to the Langmuir isotherm model and PSO kinetic model, the adsorption mechanisms of DBT QUI and IND were chemisorbed under monolayer formations.

Effect of extracting solvents on physicochemical properties of vegetable seed oils and their suitability for industrial applications

The effects of extracting solvents on the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils extracted from four oil seed plants, namely Dennettia tripetala, Dacryodes edulis, Cola rostrata, and Persea americana, were studied. Vegetable oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method. The oils were used for determining % yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The results revealed that the range of the mean % yield of oils extracted using hexane, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol, respectively, were 7.5-12.0, 9.0-22.0, 7.5-27.5 and 12.0-37.5 for the four oil Seeds respectively. Mean AVs of oils in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 3.1-3.7, 3.1-3.8, 2.5-3.9 and 2.4-2.8 for Cola rostrata, Dacryodes edulis, Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana respectively. Mean IVs of oils in gI2/100 g across the solvents were 33.25-33.97, 33.06-33.35, 32.06-33.76 and 33.00-34.00 for the four oil seeds, respectively. Mean SVs in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 191.00-197.44, 190.74-198.31, 194.11-202.52, and 182.23-199.44, respectively. Mean EC values ranged 0.31-0.32, 0.30-0.33, 0.30-0.33, and 0.31-0.32 μS/cm across the solvents, respectively. Mean pH values ranged from 6.1-6.4, 4.6-6.3, 6.2-6.4, and 6.1-6.3 across the solvents for the oils, respectively. The AVs of the oils suggest that they are edible oils, the IVs classify the oils as non-drying oils suitable for paint making, and SVs reveal that the oils are good for soap making. Hexane, petroleum ether, and CCl4 are suitable for oil extraction industrially, while D. edulis, D. tripetala, and P. Americana oils are economically viable oil resources due to their high percentage yield, SV and IV.

Effect of extracting solvents on physicochemical properties of vegetable seed oils and their suitability for industrial applications

The effects of extracting solvents on the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils extracted from four oil seed plants, namely Dennettia tripetala, Dacryodes edulis, Cola rostrata, and Persea americana, were studied. Vegetable oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method. The oils were used for determining % yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The results revealed that the range of the mean % yield of oils extracted using hexane, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol, respectively, were 7.5-12.0, 9.0-22.0, 7.5-27.5 and 12.0-37.5 for the four oil Seeds respectively. Mean AVs of oils in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 3.1-3.7, 3.1-3.8, 2.5-3.9 and 2.4-2.8 for Cola rostrata, Dacryodes edulis, Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana respectively. Mean IVs of oils in gI2/100 g across the solvents were 33.25-33.97, 33.06-33.35, 32.06-33.76 and 33.00-34.00 for the four oil seeds, respectively. Mean SVs in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 191.00-197.44, 190.74-198.31, 194.11-202.52, and 182.23-199.44, respectively. Mean EC values ranged 0.31-0.32, 0.30-0.33, 0.30-0.33, and 0.31-0.32 μS/cm across the solvents, respectively. Mean pH values ranged from 6.1-6.4, 4.6-6.3, 6.2-6.4, and 6.1-6.3 across the solvents for the oils, respectively. The AVs of the oils suggest that they are edible oils, the IVs classify the oils as non-drying oils suitable for paint making, and SVs reveal that the oils are good for soap making. Hexane, petroleum ether, and CCl4 are suitable for oil extraction industrially, while D. edulis, D. tripetala, and P. Americana oils are economically viable oil resources due to their high percentage yield, SV and IV.

Solubility and Dissolution Rate Enhancement of Aceclofenac by Solid Dispersion Employing Kneading and Solvent Evaporation Techniques

Background: Aceclofenac (ACF) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. ACF is belongs to BCS class II which has poor solubility in water (practically insoluble) and high permeability that leads to a low dissolution rate and reduced bioavailability. Objective: to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of ACF using the solid dispersion method (SD) by two common techniques which were solvent evaporation (SE) and kneading (Kn) by using different carriers Mannitol, PVP k30, Soluplus®, and Urea in both techniques at 1:1 and 1:5 wight ratio. Methods: The effects of type of carrier and preparation method on solubility and dissolution rate of SD were studied. Solid dispersions were characterized for their, percentage yield, drug content, drug solubility and in-vitro dissolution rate in comparison with pure drug. Results: The best formula is obtained by the Kn formula (F16) which was formulated by the use of ACF: Soluplus®: with a weight ratio of 1:5 which gave a high percentage yield (99.5%), high drug content (99.8± 0.003%) and the best solubility enhancement which was 361 folds compared to pure ACF and faster dissolution rate which was 80% in 10 minutes compared to 20% for pure drug. Conclusion: the solubility and in-vitro dissolution rate of ACF was efficiently improved when prepared by SD techniques, utilizing both solvent evaporation and kneading methods. Furthermore, the kneading method was superior to solvent evaporation method due to the greater enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate obtained by all carriers and ratios with higher improvement by 1:5 ratio, and can be considered a successful and efficient strategy for solubility and in-vitro dissolution rate improvement of hydrophobic drugs.

Synthesis of Triphenyl Imidazole by Green chemistry approach

Synthesis of 2,3,5- Triphenyl imidazole is carried out by conventional method/ traditional method as well as green chemistry in the present study. Green chemistry is also known as micro-wave assisted synthesis. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and process that eliminates the use and generation of hazardous substances. Using green solvent, like water, synthesis of biologically active moiety with high percentage yield as well as purity. The Percentage yield of 2,3,5- Triphenyl imidazole obtained by Green Chemistry Approach is 90.90% whereas Conventional/Traditional method produces only 69.60% of 2,3,5- Triphenyl imidazole constant concentration of all organic reagents. Hence, we concluded that green chemistry approach is environment friendly.

Zeolite Synthesis Based Silica from Saccharum officinarum L. with Black Stem Using the Hydrothermal Method

Saccharum officinarum L. has a high amount of silica content, which can be used as the main component of zeolite synthesis. Silica was isolated from Saccharum officinarum L. bagasse with NaOH and HCl. This research aims to synthesize zeolite using silica from Saccharum officinarum L. with black stem and alumina from aluminium foil. The Saccharum officinarum L. used in this research was sourced from Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Silica was sourced from Saccharum officinarum L. using the sol-gel method. The silica from the isolation of dregs ash obtained 20 g of silica with a high percentage (yield) of 50%. This study found that 5.29 g of aluminium foil produced 14.29 g of alumina with the addition of 22.50 g of Na2CO3. The zeolite obtained was 3.88 g with a SiO2:Al2O3 ratio of 5:3. From this study, the percent (%) of obtained zeolite was 48.5% from the weight of the silica and alumina produced. The zeolite results synthesized from Saccharum officinarum L. ash were characterized using FTIR. Based on the FTIR results, absorption was found at wave numbers (cm-1) 960, 729, and 668. The zeolite obtained was pure white and had a FTIR spectrum similar to that of Zeolite X from previous research. It can be predicted that the zeolite obtained from this research has been formed. This research is expected to be useful in increasing the effectiveness of the silica extraction process from Saccharum officinarum L. with black stem. Further analysis using XRD and SEM is needed to determine the characteristics of the zeolite produced.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some Schiff Base Derivatives

Schiff bases are the nitrogen analogs of ketones or aldehydes, with the carbonyl functional group replaced by an imine or azomethine group. They are formed by the condensation reaction of a primary amine and a carbonyl group, and they are widely employed in industry and have a variety of biological activities. Four Schiff base derivatives were successfully synthesized from benzaldehyde (PC1), anisaldehyde (PC2), 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (PC 2), and cinnamaldehyde (PC4) and tested for their antibacterial capabilities were evaluated against bacteria and fungi. The Schiff base had a high percentage yield of 98.28% (PC1), 95.7% (PC2), 91.6% (PC3), and 98% (PC4), with melting points ranging from 178 -187°C, 183-191°C, 160-164°C, and 195-205°C respectively. All Schiff bases showed activity against Escherichia coli with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 62.5ug/ml (PC1, PC4) and 250ug/ml (PC2, PC3). The Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) were 125ug/ml, 500ug/ml, and 250ug/ml for PC1, PC2 and PC4 respectively. PC3 showed no bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli. Schiff bases PC1, PC2, and PC3 showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC of 62.5ug/ml. The MBC obtained was 125ug/ml for PC1 and PC2, while 125ug/ml, and 250ug/ml for PC3. PC4 showed no bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Schiff bases showed fungistatic activity against Candida albican with MIC of 250ug/ml, 62.5ug/ml, and 125ug/ml for PC1, PC2/PC3, and PC4 respectively. However, none showed fungicidal activity.

An Analysis of the Wool Characteristics That Determine the Wool Price for White Wool in South Africa

This study evaluates the effects of white wool's characteristics (fibre diameter/fineness, staple strength, vegetable matter, and staple length) that contribute to determining the wool price in South Africa. The analysis was based on wool price data for the 2009 to 2019 production seasons. A multiple regression analysis of the price (R/kg) of White wool was applied to four independent variables: fibre diameter/fineness, staple strength, vegetable matter and staple length. Fibre diameter, staple length and clean yield, except vegetable matter, made a significant contribution (p < 0.05) to the determination of wool price after all other independent variables were controlled. A one-unit increase in staple length was associated with a 0.018-unit increase in wool price (R/kg). One unit (micron) increase in fibre diameter/fineness resulted in a 0.331 unit decrease in wool price (R/kg). One unit (percentage) increase in clean yield resulted in a 0.115 unit increase in wool price (R/kg). The analysis found that a 1% increase in clean yield, a measure of the amount of clean, usable wool produced by a sheep, was associated with an average increase of 0.115 R/kg in the price of wool. This means that as clean yield increases, wool price tends to increase. Clean yield varies within sheep flocks due to varying amounts of wax and contaminants such as vegetable matter dirt, breed of sheep, and the environmental conditions during wool growth. There was no statistically significant association between vegetable matter and wool price. Wool farmers need to produce wool with low fibre diameter, good length of wool and high clean yield percentage for White wool. Additionally, farmers should focus on improving their production and marketing practices, and policymakers should consider implementing policies that support the wool industry and increase its competitiveness.

Integrated Crop Management Practices on Yield and Economics of Brinjal at Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

The present study highlights the Integrated crop management in brinjalfor their yield and economics. A field experiments was in tiruvallur district of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra during 2017-2018. The implementation of scientific technology through optimal resource utilization is the primary driver for horticulture's development. Due to a lack of acceptance of cutting-edge technologies, low production is one of the main obstacles facing conventional brinjal cultivation. Frontline demonstration's primary goals were to persuade farmers to adopt brinjal production technologies in order to facilitate the wider spread of newly released crop production, protection, and management practices in their fields and farming situations, as well as to demonstrate these technologies in action. To increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce, front line demonstrations are being conducted at various farmer’s field. There was significantly increased in brinjal yield (36.7 per cent), net return and B:C ratio after conduct of frontline demonstrations as compared to farmers practice. The adoption and implementation of integrated crop management practices through FLD programme, showed positive impact on brinjal growth, yield and economics. Demonstration plot recorded higher technology gap (22.0 t/ha), extension gap (6.0 t/ha) and technology index (36.6 per cent), compare to local variety and also showed high percentage yield increase over farmer’s practice and recorded 20 per cent increase yield means technology was accepted by the farmers.As a result, 50 farmers initiated the small scale farming of brinjal in the district with the technical guidance provided from ICAR-KVK, Tirur, Tiruvallur. Therefore, a study on effect of integrated crop management practices on yield and economics of Brinjal in Tiruvallur district of tamilnadu was conducted during 2017-18.

Comparison between the Chemical Profiles of Hydrosols and Essential Oils of French Lavender, Geranium, and Basil

The essential oil production process consists of distilling plant parts with water, where steam removes the volatile components from the material. Condensing this steam from the extraction results in the formation of two phases, an organic (essential oil) and an aqueous (hydrosol). Hydrosols or floral waters are not true solutions but dispersions with water as the continuous medium.1 Although they are market products, there is no regulation regarding their quality control, and there is a lack of compositional studies. Thus, this work aims to study the relationships between the chemical compositions of the two products that have the same raw material. Commercial samples of essential oil and hydrosol from French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) were kindly provided by Haje Organic Inputs. The organic components of the hydrosols (HL) were obtained through partitioning with 250 ml of hydrosol and 30 ml (3x) of petroleum ether. The ether was then evaporated with the aid of a rotary evaporator, and the resulting extract was dried with Na2SO4 and weighed. The hydrosol extracts and essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS.2 It was noted that only compounds with oxygenated functions were present in the HL, similar to those in the EO, varying only in isomerism or oxidation degree. The substances composing the EOs were divided into two groups called hydrocarbons (HC) and oxygenated (OXI), and the fraction each composed of the oils was calculated. The results were 21.30% HC and 78.16% OXI for French Lavender, Geranium 8.54% HC and 80.32% OXI, and for Basil was 51.22 HC and 48.33 OXI. And the percentage of organic components in each HL is 0.0072%, 0.0138%, and 0.0223%, respectively. It is observed that the OXI fraction content of the oil does not influence the yield of the HLs, as Lavender and Geranium oils show a high OXI percentage and low recovery yield. It can be concluded that the HLs are heterogeneous samples, that the oxygenated function substances are the only ones present in their composition, and that they originate from the corresponding essential oil. The yield is not determined by the chemical composition, but it is pointed out to be due to operational factors of the production. The results prove that essential oils and hydrosols from the same plant do not always have corresponding chemical compositions. Therefore, in some cases, they should not be applied with the same therapeutic purpose.

Hydrolysis profile of gadung (dioscorea hispida dennst) starch to glucose using alpha amylase enzyme

Indonesia is an agrarian Country that has abundant natural resources. It has potential to be used as industrial raw materials such as sugar reduction from starch. Gadung, which is abundant in Gandus and it can be monitored for its presence in the dry season, is one source of starch. The aims of this research is to obtain glucose with a high yield percentage, to know the optimum concentration of α-amylase enzyme to hydrolysis gadung starch into glucose, and to know the relationship between hydrolysis time and concentration the glucose formed by the addition of the enzyme variation. The implementation of the research is carried out in three stages, first is preparation of raw materials, hydrolysis of gadung starch into glucose enzymatically, and analysis of glucose level using the UV-Vis spectrophotometry with Nelson reaction. The free variables used are the time variation of hydrolysis 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 minutes and alpha amylase enzyme 1 %, 2 %, 3 % b/v. The optimum hydrolysis results on this study were at 1 % b/v enzyme variation, 10 minutes hydrolysis time, and a temperature of 90 oC. The yield of glucose concentration is 255.35 ppm. From this reseach, it is known that the longer the starch hydrolysis takes place, the observed glucose tends to experience in fluctuative consentration caused by the increase of α- amylase enzyme variations.

Solubility and Dissolution Enhancement of Candesartan Cilexetil by Complexation with Cyclodextrin

At present, numerous novel chemical compounds face challenges related to their limited solubility in aqueous environments. These compounds are classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) as either class II or class IV substances. Different carriers were used to increase their solubility. Candesartan cilexetil (CC) is one of the most widely used antihypertensive drugs, which belongs to class II drugs. The aim of this research was to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of CC through a complexation approach involving β-cyclodextrin and its derivatives, specifically hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), methyl beta cyclodextrin (M-β-CD), and sulfonyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), serving as complexing agents. This complexation process was investigated both with and without the inclusion of poloxamer 407 (PX407) as a hydrophilic polymer. The complex was prepared through a combination of grinding, kneading, and co-evaporation techniques. The resulting complex underwent characterization, including assessments of its percentage yield, drug content, solubility, and dissolution properties, as well as analyses using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results revealed that, the complex prepared using 1:1 molar ratio of M -β-CD:CC in the presence of 5% w/w PX407 by co-evaporation method had the highest percentage yield (97%) with drug content of 98.5%, the highest solubility (0.052 mg/mL) and fastest release of drug within 45 minutes compared to the other methods. The FTIR, DSC, and XRD confirmed the development of a partial inclusion complex of an amorphous nature

The assessment of composition, biological properties, safety and molecular docking of corn silk (Zea mays L.) extracts from the valorization of agricultural waste products in Thailand

Corn, known as Zea mays L., is an important source of nutrition for humans and animals. Corn silk is a byproduct of corn which is typically disposed in agriculture of Thailand. Examination of the composition, biological properties, safety and molecular docking interactions of corn silk extracts was the objective of this research. The crude extracts were determined for percentage yield, phytochemical composition, antioxidative activity, enzyme inhibition activities, safety profile and active content analysis. The corn silk extract with water by reflux technique (Rcsw) had the highest percentage yield and total phenolic content at 16.23% and 23.87±3.22 mgGAE/g extract, respectively, while the corn silk extract with 50% ethanol by reflux technique (Rcs50) gave the highest total flavonoid content at 220.58±47.51 mgQE/g extract. The four selected corn silk extracts had cosmeceutical potential including antioxidant activities, tyrosinase inhibition, anti-aging activity and a non-toxic profile on HET-CAM and cell culture test. The content analysis by HPLC was the highest in the corn silk extract with water by ultrasonication (Ucsw) at 18.70±2.12 mg GA/g and 903.29±23.18 mg QE/g. The comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that affected the interaction between active ingredients and the structures of tyrosinase, collagenase and hyaluronidase has been provided via molecular docking of the extracts. The findings of this research have illustrated the potential of corn silk extracts in the advancement of innovative health care products.

Green synthesis of 1,3-Thiazolidin-4-ones derivatives by using acid-activated montmorillonite as catalyst

An environmentally friendly, clean, and applicable methodology for synthesizing 1,3-Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives was developed. This method produced the target compounds in high yields and short reaction times by using solvent-free reaction conditions with heterogeneous catalysts, montmorillonite (MT) and acid-activated montmorillonite (acid-MT). MT and acid-MT were investigated in the synthesis using a variety of techniques, including conventional heat, ultrasonic, and microwave irradiation, with the investigation of two types of factors, namely time and temperature. X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the MT and acid-MT catalysts. FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectra were used to characterize each product. The ring-cyclization step, with its short time and high yield percentage, is the most important factor for the strength of the prepared catalyst, acid-MT. Additionally, the acid-MT catalyst was easily recoverable and can be reused up to five times without suffering a substantial reduction in catalytic activity.

Carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols with carbon dioxide for the synthesis of α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates in presence of Co(III) schiff base complex catalyst

A cobalt(III) complex, [Co(L)3](DMF) (1) of Schiff base ligand HL, 2-((E)-(benzylimino)methyl)-4-bromophenol is prepared and single crystal X-ray structural analysis have also been performed. The structures of complex 1 showed hexa-coordinated mononuclear systems that adopt octahedral geometry. The complex has also exhibited the supramolecular networks through non-covalent interactions like H-bonding, C–Hπ stacking. Moreover, the complex 1 is very effective in the catalytic fixation of carbon dioxide in propergyl alcohols to produce α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates. The catalytic production of α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates have been carried out through carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols using CO2 balloon of 1 atm pressure at 80 °C. Solvent free condition (green synthesis) made this catalytic protocol eco-friendly towards the environment. Utilizing various substrates of propargyl alcohols moderate to high percentage yield (62–95%) of respective α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates product have been isolated over this catalytic reaction. Besides, the theoretical calculations (DFT) was performed for the prediction of probable mechanism of the catalytic reaction.

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and uv absorptivity of bio-oils extracted from some locally grown plant seeds in nothern Nigeria

Oils play vital roles in various ramifications including health, and food industries. Oils which are components of plant seeds can be extracted using various extraction techniques. This research is an exposition into the chemistry of oils with possible repositioning for purposeful use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries especially as sunscreen. In this work, oils were extracted from nine different seeds and subjected to gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and Ultraviolet analysis. The extraction method adopted in this work shows that 5 out of the 9 seeds have a relatively high percentage yield ranging from 20.9 to 36.8 % which indicates their potential for use in commercial quantity. The GC- MS analysis shows that (Z, Z)- 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid is the most abundant components of all the oil samples. n-Hexadecanoic acid and cis-Vaccenic acid are the major constituents of Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) seed oil. The lead components in the oil samples are usually responsible for their physico-chemical and Ultraviolet interactivities. All the samples were found to have adequate absorbance for Ultraviolet radiation ranging from Ultraviolet C to Ultraviolet A region. Citrullus lanatus, Hyptis spicigera, and Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) have the highest absorbance ranges of 1.394–1.718, 1.449 to 1.70,2 and 1.402 to 1.711 respectively at Ultraviolet A region. The finding shows that all the samples have the ability to protect the skin from Ultraviolet radiation when expose to the sun, whereas only Citrullus lanatus, Hyptis spicigera and Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) have the potentials for use as sunscreen with high sun protection factor. Further studies on the antimicrobial activities, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical potentials of the various components of these samples are encouraged.

Facile synthesis of FeCeOx nanoparticles encapsulated carbon nitride catalyst for highly efficient and recyclable synthesis of substituted imidazoles

Herein, we developed a novel composite called FeCeOx@g-C3N4 through a combination of sonication, sintering, and hydrothermal techniques to implement the principles of green chemistry by utilizing reusable nanocomposites in one-pot reactions. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the catalyst's structure, composition, and morphology, various characterization methods were employed. These included FT-IR analysis to examine chemical bonds, SEM and TEM imaging to visualize the catalyst's surface and internal structure, TGA to assess thermal stability, EDS for elemental composition analysis, and XRD to determine crystal structure. The FeCeOx@g-C3N4 nanocatalyst demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the one-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted and 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazole. Noteworthy features of this catalyst included high percentage yield, mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, and an efficient and straightforward procedure. Furthermore, the FeCeOx@g-C3N4 composite exhibited excellent recyclability and reusability. It could be recycled and reused up to four times without a significant decline in catalytic activity.

An analysis of the wool characteristics that determine wool price in South Africa

Purpose South Africa’s wool industry plays an important role in the agricultural sector. The wool industry provides a valuable source of income for farmers who practice sustainable farming practices. However, wool farmers face numerous challenges, such as wool contamination, dirty wool and producing good-quality wool. Good-quality wool is determined by fibre diameter, clean yield, vegetable matter and staple length. This study aims to address these challenges. Design/methodology/approach A multiple regression analysis of price (R/kg) of White wool and Merino wool was applied to four variables fibre diameter: vegetable matter, clean yield and staple length. The analysis was based on the data for the 2009–2019 data from Cape Wools auctions. Findings Fibre diameter, clean yield and staple length, with exception of vegetable matter, made a statistically significant contribution to the determination of wool price after all other independent variables were controlled for (p < 0.05). A one-unit (micron) increase in fibre diameter resulted in a 0.404-unit decrease in wool price (R/kg). A one-unit (mm) increase in staple length resulted in a 0.022-unit increase in wool price (R/kg). There was no statistically significant association between vegetable matter and wool price. A one-unit increase in clean yield was associated with a 0.111-unit increase in wool price (R/kg). Research limitations/implications Since wool fleeces consist of the largest portion of wool shorn from sheep, it is important for wool farmers to focus on wool with low fibre diameter, high clean yield percentage, low percentage of vegetable matter content and good length of the wool. Practical implications Since wool fleeces consist of the largest portion of wool shorn from sheep, it is important for wool farmers to focus on wool with low fibre diameter, high clean yield percentage, low percentage of vegetable matter content and good length of the wool. Social implications In a developing country such as South Africa, this study is important for the following reason. It is understanding the wool characteristics that have the most significance influence on the determination of wool price for Merino wool and White wool might effectively help the wool farmers to adapt their production systems to improve the wool characteristics that determine wool price. Originality/value This study identified a need for a study to be conducted on all wool classes.

Amine Synthesis Using the Amine Donor N-Phenyl Putrescine and the Johnson Matthey Transaminase Biocatalyst Library

Chiral amines are important building blocks in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and chemical industries. There is a drive to augment traditional transition metal catalysts with ‘green’ alternatives such as biocatalysts. Transaminase (TA) biocatalysts can be used in combination with ‘smart’ sacrificial amine donors to synthesise a variety of aliphatic and aromatic amines from the corresponding aldehydes and ketones. Despite their enormous potential, the unfavourable reaction equilibrium often limits the widespread application of TAs for industrial synthesis. Recently we disclosed a new biomimetic amine donor N-phenyl putrescine (NPP), which was inspired by the biosynthesis of the dipyrroloquinoline alkaloids. NPP was demonstrated to have good activity with a library of commercial and wild-type TAs (total 25 TAs). This work focused on exploring the use of NPP with the Johnson Matthey TA kit (17 biocatalysts; eight S-selective and nine R-selective) and three different amine acceptors (vanillin, benzaldehyde and acetophenone). NPP worked well with all 17 TAs and gave the corresponding amine products vanillylamine, benzylamine and methylbenzylamine (MBA) in up to 85% high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) yield. From the screen, STA-14 was identified as a good biocatalyst for further analysis and used in a comparative screen of NPP versus the commonly used donor iPrNH2. It was found that NPP was the best amine donor and used to prepare S-methylbenzylamine in >99.5% enantiomeric excess (e.e.). This work, combined with our previous study, highlights the potential of NPP in the biocatalytic synthesis of amines.