Green Chemistry Research Articles

Comparative Study of Catalysis Strategies: Friedel-Crafts Alkylation Vs. Michael's Addition of Indoles to Nitroalkenes

Indoles are critical in natural amalgamation for their flexible jobs in drugs, regular items, and material science, exhibiting huge pharmacological and compound reactivity. Due to their versatility and high reactivity, nitroalkenes are essential electrophilic partners in organic synthesis. While indoles and nitroalkenes are used in both Michael addition and Friedel-Crafts alkylation for producing carbon-carbon bonds, the catalyst types and reactions involved are different. Michael addition employs conjugate addition, whereas Friedel-Crafts alkylation employs electrophilic aromatic substitution. Each technique has a different level of selectivity and distinct synthetic applications. This review examines the advancements and persistent challenges in catalysis, focusing on the comparative methodologies of Friedel-Crafts alkylation and Michael addition involving indoles and nitroalkenes. Emphasizing green chemistry principles, it discusses the potential for sustainable and efficient synthetic processes through the use of innovative catalysts, including photocatalysis and biocatalysis. The integration of computational studies and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for developing economically viable and environmentally responsible chemical synthesis, ultimately contributing to the creation of advanced materials and pharmaceuticals.

Upcycling of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into CoFe@C for highly efficient PV-driven bifunctional seawater splitting via a “waste materialization” strategy

Developing green and efficient techniques to convert plastic wastes into functional materials is attractive and remains highly challenging. This study employs a hydrothermal combining with pyrolysis process for constructing a Co3Fe1@C heterostructure from the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste-mediated metal-organic frameworks. The as-obtained Co3Fe1@C shows a core-shell structure and possesses good performance towards water electrolysis. The Co3Fe1@C can attain the current density of 100 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of 250 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In addition, the bifunctional Co3Fe1@C can realize the overall seawater electrolysis at 50 mA cm−2 with good stability for 280 h driven by a 2.2 V commercial silicon solar cell. Overall, this study demonstrates a green chemistry approach to simultaneous plastic waste upcycling and cost-effective electrocatalyst fabrication, which may stimulate further research on the “waste materialization” approach to converting solid waste into highly efficient catalysts for various chemistry and energy industry applications.

A review on the green metal nanotechnology in monogastric animal health: current trends and future prospects.

Green nanotechnology is the emerging field of research in recent decades with growing interest rapidly. This integrates green chemistry with green engineering to avoid using toxic chemicals in the synthesis of organic nanomaterials. Green nanotechnology would create a huge potential for the use of nanoparticles for more sustainable utilization in improving animal health. Nanoparticles can be synthesised by physical, chemical and biological processes. Traditional methods for physical and chemical synthesis of nanoparticles are toxic to humans, animals and environmental health, which limits their usefulness. Green synthesis of nanoparticles via biological processes and their application in animal health could maximize the benefits of nanotechnology in terms of enhancing food animal health and production as well as minimize the undesirable impacts on Planetary Health. Recent advances in nanotechnology have meant different nanomaterials, especially those from metal sources, are now available for use in nanomedicine. Metal nanoparticles are one of the most widely researched in green nanotechnology, and the number of articles on this subject in food animal production is growing nowadays. Therefore, research on metal nanoparticles using green technologies have utmost importance. In this review, we report the recent advancement of green synthesized metal nanoparticles in terms of their utilization in monogastric animal health, elucidate the research gap in this field and provide recommendations for future prospects.

Heterogeneous Catalysis in the Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocyclics

AbstractThe synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds using heterogeneous catalysis is a topic of significant interest in organic synthesis and chemical research. Heterogeneous catalysis offers several advantages over homogeneous catalysis, including easier separation and recovery of the catalyst, reduced waste generation, and potentially higher stability and reusability. In this review, the pivotal role of heterogeneous catalysis in synthesizing nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds is explored. Various types of heterocycles and the specific applications of these compounds in drug discovery and material development are discussed in detail. This review discusses various examples of heterogeneous catalysts employed in the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles, including metal oxides, supported metals, metal nanoparticles, zeolites, and other porous materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanistic insights and reaction pathways facilitated by different catalysts. Additionally, recent advancements and innovations in the field are discussed, including novel catalyst designs, green chemistry approaches, and emerging trends in catalytic materials. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact and potential of heterogeneous catalysis in this important area of organic synthesis.

Niobium Pentoxide as an Acid Catalyst: An Overview

The global chemical industry is under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, as most chemical products exceed environmental safety limits. Given that chemical production largely relies on catalytic processes, the development of solid acid catalysts has become crucial for more sustainable production. Among these catalysts, niobium pentoxide stands out due to its strong acid sites, which remain active in the presence of water, and its stability under hydrothermal conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated that these solids maintain their catalytic activity even in the presence of strong bases, making them unique catalysts. This review explores the potential of niobium pentoxide as an acid catalyst, addressing advances in synthesis techniques, surface modifications, and combinations with other materials to enhance its catalytic performance in sustainable applications, such as biomass conversion and biofuel production, opening new pathways for the production of greener chemicals. Finally, the future perspectives of niobium pentoxide - based catalysts in green chemistry are discussed.

Nanostructured Coatings of 3d-Metals Produced by Green Chemistry Methods: Analysis of Inhomogeneities by Static and Dynamic Magnetic Methods

The study investigates carbon-containing coatings of 3d-metals (Ni, Co, Fe) produced by chemical deposition method using arabinogalactan. The coatings were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, FMR, and M(H) magnetometry. Measurement of M(H) in plane and perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic coatings allowed determining the distribution of demagnetizing factor in the studied coatings. The obtained distributions of the demagnetizing factor were used to analyze the angular dependences of the ferromagnetic resonance field. The values of magnetization and perpendicular anisotropy field were estimated. The paper illustrates the effect of texture on the magnetic parameters.

Deep eutectic solvent as stationary phase for flow analysis: Automated trace metal determination in food products

BackgroundDeep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as effective solvents that address many challenges in analytical chemistry, particularly in microextraction. However, until now, their use has been primarily focused on extraction processes. This has significantly limited their application in analytical chemistry, especially in flow analysis, where the high viscosity of DES has made their use difficult. ResultsThis paper presents a novel DES-based liquid-liquid microextraction approach for the separation and determination of trace metals in foods using an automated flow analysis system. In this study, a DES composed of thymol and thionalide was first prepared and thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic (IR, NMR) and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The COSMO-SAC model was employed to predict the solubility of metal salts (Cu, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in the new DES. The solvent was applied to glass fiber as a stationary phase in an extraction column in a flow analysis. After microwave digestion of food samples, metals were extracted by this DES in an automated mode and subsequently eluted with an aqueous thiourea solution. The procedure demonstrated limits of detection (LOD) of 6 μg kg−1 for mercury, 4 μg kg−1 for copper, 6 μg kg−1 for lead and 0.6 μg kg−1 for cadmium. SignificanceThis study represents the first application of a DES-based stationary phase in automated flow analysis, significantly enhancing extraction efficiency. The procedure enables precise and reliable determination of trace metals in food products, aligning with green chemistry principles by minimizing waste.

Multifunctional green synthesized silver nanoparticle and polypyrrole-based e-textile for wearable thermoregulation applications

Electronic textiles (e-textiles) build upon existing technologies to develop truly smart textiles: garments that sense, react, and adapt. Thermoregulatory e-textiles are an area of significant interest across the field. Designing e-textiles that satisfy electrical performance and simple construction is a significant challenge. To address these issues, a simple dip-coating and in-situ polymerization method was used to develop the first example of a thermoregulatory e-textile using green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and polypyrrole (Ppy), based on the method previously reported (Naysmith, A.; Mian, N.S.; Rana, S. Development of conductive textile fabric using Plackett–Burman optimized green synthesized silver nanoparticles and in situ polymerized polypyrrole. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews 2023, 16 (1)). This methodology was optimized using a Taguchi statistical design determining the optimal AgNP-Ppy synthesis method to obtain high performance Joule heating e-textiles, novel within the field of e-textiles. Reactant concentration and reaction time had the largest effects on the electrical resistance of subsequent e-textiles. The result is the first example of an e-textile heater based on green synthesized AgNPs. The e-textile demonstrated exceptional Joule heating (120°C), low electrical resistance (37 Ω), resistive temperature sensing behavior (negative TCR = −0.0046), and increased thermal conductivity (19.55 l (Wm−1 K−1)); the strain sensing behavior (gauge factor = −0.07). This work extends knowledge of the development and challenges within e-textile technologies as the field creates the next generation of textiles.

Computational Advances in Ionic Liquid Applications for Green Chemistry: A Critical Review of Lignin Processing and Machine Learning Approaches.

The valorization and dissolution of lignin using ionic liquids (ILs) is critical for developing sustainable biorefineries and a circular bioeconomy. This review aims to critically assess the current state of computational and machine learning methods for understanding and optimizing IL-based lignin dissolution and valorization processes reported since 2022. The paper examines various computational approaches, from quantum chemistry to machine learning, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and recent advances in predicting and optimizing lignin-IL interactions. Key themes include the challenges in accurately modeling lignin's complex structure, the development of efficient screening methodologies for ionic liquids to enhance lignin dissolution and valorization processes, and the integration of machine learning with quantum calculations. These computational advances will drive progress in IL-based lignin valorization by providing deeper molecular-level insights and facilitating the rapid screening of novel IL-lignin systems.

Profile of Green Chemistry on Chemistry Education Students: Study on Developing Green Chemistry Practical Module to Support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Society 5.0 era emphasizes production efficiency by transitioning from conventional to renewable energy sources. Thus, the Society 5.0 Era aligns with one of the goals of the SDGs, which is that industrial processes become more environmentally friendly and more efficient in using energy resources while increasing their value. Green chemistry is a comprehensive approach that designs safe chemicals ranging from environmentally friendly chemical products and processes to reducing the formation of harmful chemical substances. The type of research is descriptive and aimed at describing the student's early understanding of green chemistry. The subject of this study is a student of Prodi Education Chemistry at the University of Muhammadiyah Cirebon. The test instrument consists of 4 description questions compiled to measure the student's initial understanding of green chemistry. The analysis results show that the students understood the terminology for green chemistry. However, students still need to understand the 12 principles of green chemistry and their applications in everyday life.

Schiff Base-Based Molybdenum Complexes as Green Catalyst in the Epoxidation Reaction: A Minireview.

Epoxides are class of cyclic ether and have been extensively used in petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals industries as raw materials. Due to this reasons, development of the synthetic strategy of epoxides are getting enormous interest among the research chemists. In terms of "development of the synthetic strategy", the use of a catalyst, especially, Schiff base-based complex is of potential interest due to alternative easy routes and significant advances in metal-mediated pathways giving rise to diverse degree of substrate-reagent interactions. In addition, the synthetic strategy that follows the 12 principles of green chemistry, particularly (i) reduce the use of organic solvent, especially toxic solvents, and (ii) increasing the use of catalysts to obtain selective and quick processes in terms of atom economy, are of great attention now a days. The present review encompasses the Schiff base-based molybdenum complexes as green catalyst in the epoxidation reaction. Molybdenum complexes have grown interest owing to lower cost, environmental protection and commercialization as well as its abundance in different metalloenzymes. On the other hand, molybdenum complexes speed up the O-O bond break of tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP); as a result, it accelerates the oxygen transfer process from TBHP to the olefin. This review mainly focused on the catalytic activity of molybdenum-based Schiff base complexes for the epoxidation reaction in water/solvent free condition.

A Detailed Analysis on Evaluation of Green Computing

Abstract: Currently, computers are not only used in offices but utilized at home as well. The amount of energy consumed by the growing daily use of computers contributes to a rise in the atmosphere's carbon content. The IT sector is mostly to blame for 3% of the world's energy usage, which is rising by 20% annually. These days, green computing is a very emerging topic today. He is responsible for the use of computers and associated resources. It encompasses the application of energy efficient processors, servers and peripherals, along with less resource usage and appropriate electronic waste disposal waste. Enhancing the life cycle efficiency of IT devices and approving the recycling of wasteful items and manufacturing waste are the main objectives of green computing. The methods for conserving green energy and their potential applications are discussed in this article. By "aligning all IT processes and practices with the core principles of sustainability, which are to reduce, reuse, and recycle; and finding innovative ways to use IT in business processes to deliver sustainability benefits across the enterprise and beyond," green computing can also create beneficial solutions. Green computing and green chemistry share many of the same objectives, including minimizing the use of hazardous materials, optimizing energy efficiency over the course of a product's lifetime, and fostering the recyclable or biodegradable nature of factory waste and non-operational products .

Exploring sustainable synthesis paths: a comprehensive review of environmentally friendly methods for fabricating nanomaterials through green chemistry approaches.

This comprehensive review delves into the burgeoning field of nanotechnology, where the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is strategically tailored to specific applications. Embracing the principles of green chemistry, nanotechnology increasingly utilizes environmentally friendly materials, such as plant extracts or microorganisms, as capping or reducing agents and solvents in the synthesis process. Notably, plant-based synthesis demonstrates enhanced stability and faster rates compared to microorganisms. The synthesized materials exhibit unique properties ranging from antimicrobial and catalytic effects to antioxidant activities and they are finding applications across diverse fields. Green synthesis processes, characterized by mild conditions in terms of temperature and reagents, stand in stark contrast to traditional chemical synthesis methods. This review focuses on the synthesis of various metal and metal oxide NPs, including Ag, Au, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ti, Sn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Co, and Ag NPs and their oxides, using plant extracts and microorganisms. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications associated with each synthesis method. Additionally, we explore the future prospects of green synthesis and its limitations and challenges, offering insights into its evolving role in nanotechnology.

New Materials for Thin-Film Solid-Phase Microextraction (TF-SPME) and Their Use for Isolation and Preconcentration of Selected Compounds from Aqueous, Biological and Food Matrices.

Determination of a broad spectrum of analytes, carried out with analytical instruments in samples with complex matrices, including environmental, biological, and food samples, involves the development of new and selective sorption phases used in microextraction techniques that allow their isolation from the matrix. SPME solid-phase microextraction is compatible with green analytical chemistry among the sample preparation techniques, as it reduces the use of toxic organic solvents to the minimum necessary. Over the past two decades, it has undergone impressive progress, resulting in the development of the thin-film solid-phase microextraction technique, TF-SPME (the thin-film solid-phase microextraction), which is characterized by a much larger surface area of the sorption phase compared to that of the SPME fiber. TF-SPME devices, in the form of a mostly rectangular metal or polymer substrate onto which a thin film of sorption phase is applied, are characterized, among others, by a higher sorption capacity. In comparison with microextraction carried out on SPME fiber, they enable faster microextraction of analytes. The active phase on which analyte sorption occurs can be applied to the substrate through techniques such as dip coating, spin coating, electrospinning, rod coating, and spray coating. The dynamic development of materials chemistry makes it possible to use increasingly advanced materials as selective sorption phases in the TF-SPME technique: polymers, conducting polymers, molecularly imprinted polymers, organometallic frameworks, carbon nanomaterials, aptamers, polymeric ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. Therefore, TF-SPME has been successfully used to prepare analytical samples to determine a broad spectrum of analytes in sample matrices: environmental, biological, and food. The work will be a review of the above-mentioned issues.

Evolution of Frustrated Coordination in Eutectic Electrolyte Driven by Ligand Asymmetry toward High-Performance Zinc Batteries.

Eutectic electrolytes hold promise for aqueous zinc metal batteries in sustainable energy storage chemistries, yet improvement from perspective of molecule configurational engineering are ambiguous. Herein, we propose design strategy of increasing asymmetric molecular geometry in organic ligands to regulate frustrated coordination and disordered structure for eutectic electrolytes toward enhanced zinc metal batteries. The introduced asymmetry in eutectic component gives rise to relatively weak coordination strength and configurational disorder interaction among cation-anion-ligand, leading to suppressed local aggregation, steady eutectic phase and improved Zn2+diffusion kinetics. Such highly frustrated coordination state also enables disruption of hydrogen bonding network and reinforcement of anion participation, which results in confined side reactions, decreased water activity and the formation of inorganic-enriched solid electrolyte interphase. In comparison to highly symmetric ligands, asymmetric ligand-involved eutectic electrolytes with configurational disorderdeliver high Coulombic efficiency of 99.4 %, stabilized Zn plating/stripping of 5000 h and impressive rate capability even under harsh conditions such as small N/P, low temperature. The rationale in this work advances the deep understanding of asymmetric molecular engineering in eutectic electrolytes and showcases suitability of frustrated coordination to achieve high-performance zinc metal batteries.

Green in-situ immobilization of ZnO nanoparticles for functionalization of polyester fabrics

Medical textiles have gained significant interest for their capability to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, the incorporation of eco-friendly methods to enhance the functionality of these textiles, achieving both impressive antibacterial features and notable ultraviolet (UV) protection, along with thermal stability for effective use in UV-induced clean chambers, remains a complex undertaking. The main objective of this study is to explore the application of the green chemistry method in immobilizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) onto polydopamine (PDA)-templated polyester (PET) fabrics for potential use in medical textiles. Specifically, we examined the impact of varying the concentration of the zinc acetate dihydrate as the Zn precursor on the synthesis of ZnO NPs. Nanoparticle morphology and topography were analyzed using SEM and AFM. Elemental and chemical characteristics were further assessed through EDS analysis, FT-IR analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results indicate that ZnO NPs immobilized on PDA-templated PET fabrics exhibit exceptional antibacterial and UV protection properties. Moreover, the presence of the ZnO/PDA layer on the PET fabric significantly enhances its thermal stability, making it an ideal candidate for medical textile applications.

Advancing quinoxaline chemistry: Sustainable and green synthesis using L-arabinose as a catalyst

In the present study, an innovative and eco-friendly methodology for synthesizing quinoxaline derivatives has been introduced, leveraging L-arabinose as a novel catalyst. This approach not only underscores the feasibility of green chemistry in synthesizing high-purity quinoxaline derivatives but also highlights the enhanced sustainability of the process. Detailed mechanistic investigations revealed the synergistic interactions between L-arabinose and the reactants, providing a deeper understanding of the catalytic process. The synthesized compounds, due to their unique structural and electronic properties, may find promising applications in life and material sciences such as optoelectronics. Furthermore, our environmental impact assessment demonstrated significant reduction in generated waste, solvent use, and overall carbon footprint, aligning with the global agenda for sustainable development. This research marks a significant step forward in quinoxaline chemistry, promoting the adoption of green synthesis pathways while reinforcing the principles of sustainable and environment-friendly chemical practices.

Learning Strategies from Nature's Blueprint to Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis.

Nature is a remarkable source of inspiration for developing sustainable and eco-friendly synthetic procedures. In recent years, the synthesis of cyclic carbonates has garnered significant attention due to their versatile applications in various fields, including materials science, pharmaceuticals, and green chemistry. Drawing inspiration from nature, researchers have explored innovative synthetic routes that mimic biological processes to produce cyclic carbonates efficiently and sustainably. This article reviews nature-inspired synthetic procedures for cyclic carbonate formation, highlighting the key strategies and principles employed. Through biomimicry, researchers aim to harness the efficiency and selectivity observed in biological systems to develop greener and more sustainable methods for cyclic carbonate synthesis. Integrating bio-inspired strategies offers opportunities for improving synthetic efficiency and contributes to reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional chemical processes. This review underscores the potential of nature-inspired approaches in advancing the field of cyclic carbonate synthesis toward more sustainable and environmentally benign practices, focusing on recent literature.

Exploring Silica Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Solution for Pest Control in Sri Lankan Rice Farming

Rice cultivation stands as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, serving as a vital source of employment for rural communities. However, the constraints of limited land availability have prompted an escalating dependence on agrochemicals, notably for pest management, thereby posing significant threats to human health and the environment. This review delves into the exploration of silica nanoparticles as a promising eco-friendly substitute for conventional pesticides in the context of Sri Lankan rice farming. It comprehensively examines various aspects, including the synthesis methods of silica nanoparticles, their encapsulation with synthetic pesticides, and an evaluation of their efficacy in pest control. Furthermore, it sheds light on the innovative utilization of agricultural waste such as rice husk and straw in the production of silica-based nanopesticides. This approach not only demonstrates a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices but also aligns with the principles of green chemistry and circular economy, offering a holistic solution to the challenges faced by the rice farming sector in Sri Lanka.

Comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of three-component deep eutectic solvents and their implications for microbial and anticancerous activity

Sustainable chemistry centers on substituting perilous solvents and materials with eco-conscious alternatives. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) hold substantial potential in this arena. This inquiry includes the formulation of three-component eutectic solvents and an exhaustive scrutiny of their physical and chemical attributes. These encompass solubility, boiling point, pH, density, viscosity, surface tension, refractive index, contact angle, conductivity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, a biological exploration featured two bacterial strains and two fungal strains. The entire spectrum of ten three-component DES was administered to these microorganisms to discern plausible impacts. In addition, the biomedical promise of these DES was unveiled through anticancer assays employing MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines. The outcomes were favorable, underscoring robust anticancer potency, thereby hinting at future oncological utility. These interdisciplinary endeavors envelop the progression of sustainable solvent innovation, meticulous physicochemical scrutiny, microbial analysis, and anticancer appraisal. This study propels inventive resolutions with ecological and biomedical reverberations by amalgamating these distinct yet interconnected facets.