Synthetic Organic Compounds Research Articles

A Review on Olefin Metathesis Reactions as a Green Method for the Synthesis of Organic Compounds

Olefin metathesis is a metal-mediated C-C bond exchange by which the two fragments within the olefin precursor are redistributed as a result of breaking the double bond to obtain a new product. Currently, most of the synthetic organic compounds, polymers, drugs, plastics, and other synthetic materials are synthesized via the application of olefin metathesis reactions. In this review, different types of olefin metathesis reactions with their plausible mechanisms and their application in synthetic organic chemistry have been discussed.

Prospects for the use of synthetic organoselenium compounds for the correction of metabolic and immune status during vaccination with live attenuated vaccines against especially dangerous infections

This review article analyzes the data on the role of selenium in the regulation of the metabolic and immune status of a macroorganism. The data on endogenous functional selenium-containing molecules, which include selenocysteine, selenomethionine, and selenoproteins, are considered. The data on the pathologies associated with the deficiency of this microelement, its immunotropic properties and adjuvant effects are presented. The role of selenoproteins in the regulation of redox processes has been shown. The data on the immunotropic activity of compounds containing selenium and the prospects for their use as adjuvants are analyzed. The last section is devoted to the analysis of literature data on the biological properties of synthetic selenium compounds with an activity that mimics the catalytic activity of selenoproteins. The analysis of the data on the functional activity of selenoproteins carried out in this work indicates their key role in the regulation of metabolic and immune processes, as well as in maintaining homeostasis. The information presented in this review on the biological activity and mechanisms of action of new synthetic low-toxic organic compounds of selenium can serve as a basis for the development of nonspecific means of metabolic and immune correction of vaccinal processes caused by both live attenuated vaccines and artificially created ones.

“Simultaneous targeted and non-targeted analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental samples by liquid chromatography-ion mobility-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry and mass defect analysis”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a large group of synthetic organic compounds which exhibit unique properties and have been extensively used for consumer and industrial products, resulting in a widespread presence in the environment. Regulation requiring PFAS monitoring has been implemented worldwide due to their potential health and eco-toxicological effects. Targeted methods are commonly used to monitor between twenty to forty PFAS compounds, representing only a small fraction of the number of compounds that may be present. Consequently, there is an increasing interest in complementary non-targeted methods to screen and identify unknown PFAS compounds with the aim to improve knowledge and to generate more accurate models regarding their environmental mobility and persistence. This work details the development of a method that simultaneously provided targeted and non-targeted PFAS analysis. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) was coupled to ion mobility-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (IMS-QTOF-MS) and used to quantify known and screen unknown PFAS in environmental samples collected within the greater Sydney basin (Australia). The method was validated for the quantification of 14 sulfonate-based PFAS, and a non-targeted data analysis workflow was developed using a combination of mass defect analysis with common fragment and neutral loss filtering to identify fluorine-containing species. The optimised method was applied to the environmental samples and enabled the determination of 3–7 compounds from the targeted list and the detection of a further 56–107 untargeted PFAS. This simultaneous analysis reduces the complexity of multiple analyses, and allows for greater interrogation of the full PFAS load in environmental samples.

РАСЧЕТ СТАНДАРТНОЙ ЭНТАЛЬПИИ СГОРАНИЯ, СТАНДАРТНОЙ ЭНТАЛЬПИИ ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ И ЭНТАЛЬПИИ ПЛАВЛЕНИЯ КОМПЛЕКСА РОЗЕОФУНГИНА С α-, β- И γ-ЦИКЛОДЕКСТРИНОМ

One of the most important quantities in chemical thermodynamics and thermochemistry is the enthalpy of combustion. Of the currently existing methods for calculating the heat of combustion of natural and synthetic organic compounds, the most acceptable and correct in our case was the Karash method. In this study, the standard enthalpy of combustion, the standard enthalpy of formation, and the melting enthalpy of the antibiotic roseofungin and its cyclodextrin derivatives were calculated. As a result of the study, the thermodynamic constants of the standard enthalpies of combustion, standard enthalpies of formation, and the enthalpies of melting of the above compounds were calculated, which are of interest for physicochemical modeling of processes with their participation, serve as initial information arrays for loading into fundamental thermodynamic data banks and reference books, and is also important for standardization and certification of these complexes. It should be noted that the presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups in the structures of the studied complexes allows them to be attributed to polar compounds.

Role of Macrophages in Cytotoxicity, Reactive Oxygen Species Production and DNA Damage in 1,2-Dichloropropane-Exposed Human Cholangiocytes In Vitro.

1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP), a synthetic chlorinated organic compound, was extensively used in the past in offset color proof-printing. In 2014, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified 1,2-DCP from its initial Group 3 to Group 1. Prior to the reclassification, cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed in a group of workers exposed to 1,2 -DCP in an offset color proof-printing company in Japan. In comparison with other forms of cholangiocarcinoma, 1,2-DCP-induced cholangiocarcinoma was of early onset and accompanied by extensive pre-cancerous lesions in large bile ducts. However, the mechanism of 1,2-DCP-induced cholangiocarcinoma is poorly understood. Inflammatory cell proliferation was observed in various sites of the bile duct in the noncancerous hepatic tissues of the 1,2-DCP-induced cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to enhance our understanding of the mechanism of 1,2-DCP-related cholangiocarcinogenesis. We applied an in vitro system to investigate the effects of 1,2-DCP, using MMNK-1 cholangiocytes cultured alone or with THP-1 macrophages. The cultured cells were exposed to 1,2-DCP at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mM for 24 h, and then assessed for cell proliferation, cell cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and ROS production. Exposure to 1,2-DCP increased proliferation of MMNK-1 cholangiocytes cultured alone, but not those cultured with macrophages. 1,2-DCP also increased LDH cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and ROS production in MMNK-1 cholangiocytes co-cultured with macrophages but not those cultured alone. 1,2-DCP increased TNFα and IL-1β protein expression in macrophages. The results highlight the role of macrophages in enhancing the effects of 1,2-DCP on cytotoxicity, ROS production, and DNA damage in cholangiocytes.

East meets west: regional impact on agrochemical discovery and innovation.

The efficient production of the food needed to nourish an expanding global population continues to fuel the demand for new crop protection compounds. This task is made all the more difficult by the need to meet increasingly demanding grower, consumer and regulatory constraints. The discovery and development of new synthetic organic crop protection compounds has been largely the responsibility of the agrochemical industry in Europe, Japan and the USA, with government-funded academic research often playing a crucial role in the early stages of the invention and testing of novel activity. The way in which this process takes place has undergone a dramatic evolution over the past 75 years. Drastic consolidation and globalization among the research and development (R&D)-based companies in these regions have characterized these changes. This evolution in the agrochemical industry has, in turn, shaped the rate of introduction and geographic origin of new crop protection compounds. In spite of these changes, the rate of invention of new classes of crop protection compounds has remained relatively constant. During the past 30 years, the forefront of new compound introductions has moved towards Asia, and Japan in particular. Although there are now more agrochemical companies in Japan involved in the discovery and development of new crop protection compounds than in Europe and the USA combined, on a compound-per-company basis, US companies currently generate the highest output. However, it is expected that there will continue to be changes in the numbers and origins of new crop protection compounds, with contributions continuing from Europe, Japan and the USA, and increasingly from China. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of prevalent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) food contaminant on the MCF7, LNCap and MDA-MB-231 cell lines viability and PON1 gene expression level: proposed model of binding.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic organic chlorine compounds known as an organic pollutant in food sources, which play important roles in malignancies. The present study aimed to investigate the direct effects of prevalent PCBs in food in hormone-responsive and non-responsive cell lines. In the current study, MCF-7, LNCap, and MDA-MB231 cell lines were treated with serial concentrations (0.001-100μM) of PCBs for 48h and cell viability assessment was performed using MTT assay. The best concentration then applied and the expression level of PON1 was evaluated using real-time PCR. Besides, molecular docking was performed to determine the binding mechanism and predicted binding energies of PBCs compounds to the AhR receptor. Unlike MCF-7 and LNCap cells, the viability of MDA-MB231 cells did not significantly change by different concentrations of PCBs. Meanwhile, quantitative gene expression analysis showed that the PON1 was significantly more expressed in MCF-7 and LNCap lines treated with PCB28 and PCB101. However, the expression level of this gene in other groups and also MDA-MB231cells did not demonstrate any significantly change. Also, the results of molecular docking showed that PBCs had steric interaction with AhR receptor. Current results showed that despite of hormone non-responsive cells the PCBs have a significant positive effect on hormone-responsive cell. Therefore, and regarding to the existence of PCBs contamination in food there should be serious concern about their impact on the prevalence of different malignancies which certainly should result in a standard limit for this material. This study aimed to investigate the direct effects of prevalent PCBs in food in hormone-responsive and non-responsive cell lines. Cell lines were treated with serial concentrations of PCBs and cell viability assessment was performed using MTT assay. The expression level of PON1 was evaluated using real-time PCR. Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding mechanism and predicted binding energies of PBCs compounds to the AhR receptor. PCBs contamination in food there should be serious concern about their impact on the prevalence of different malignancies which certainly should result in a standard limit for this material.

Microbial Degradation of Naphthalene and Substituted Naphthalenes: Metabolic Diversity and Genomic Insight for Bioremediation.

Low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like naphthalene and substituted naphthalenes (methylnaphthalene, naphthoic acids, 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate, etc.) are used in various industries and exhibit genotoxic, mutagenic, and/or carcinogenic effects on living organisms. These synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) or xenobiotics are considered as priority pollutants that pose a critical environmental and public health concern worldwide. The extent of anthropogenic activities like emissions from coal gasification, petroleum refining, motor vehicle exhaust, and agricultural applications determine the concentration, fate, and transport of these ubiquitous and recalcitrant compounds. Besides physicochemical methods for cleanup/removal, a green and eco-friendly technology like bioremediation, using microbes with the ability to degrade SOCs completely or convert to non-toxic by-products, has been a safe, cost-effective, and promising alternative. Various bacterial species from soil flora belonging to Proteobacteria (Pseudomonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, Comamonas, Burkholderia, and Novosphingobium), Firmicutes (Bacillus and Paenibacillus), and Actinobacteria (Rhodococcus and Arthrobacter) displayed the ability to degrade various SOCs. Metabolic studies, genomic and metagenomics analyses have aided our understanding of the catabolic complexity and diversity present in these simple life forms which can be further applied for efficient biodegradation. The prolonged persistence of PAHs has led to the evolution of new degradative phenotypes through horizontal gene transfer using genetic elements like plasmids, transposons, phages, genomic islands, and integrative conjugative elements. Systems biology and genetic engineering of either specific isolates or mock community (consortia) might achieve complete, rapid, and efficient bioremediation of these PAHs through synergistic actions. In this review, we highlight various metabolic routes and diversity, genetic makeup and diversity, and cellular responses/adaptations by naphthalene and substituted naphthalene-degrading bacteria. This will provide insights into the ecological aspects of field application and strain optimization for efficient bioremediation.

Sorption-luminescence method for determination of cerium using Transcarpathian clinoptilolite

Sorption-luminescent method for cerium determination based on natural Transcarpathian clinoptilolite without using of complex synthetic organic compounds and toxic solvents was proposed. Optimal luminophore preparation conditions are sorption of free Ce3+ ions by zeolite in the solution with pH 4.5. For luminescence measurements excitation by quanta with wavelength of 255 nm were used. Luminescence intensity at λ = 346 nm was selected as analytical parameter for a quantitative cerium determination. Features characteristic to Ce3+ and Ce4+ oxidation states were identified in XPS spectra from as-grown and annealed samples. Definable range of Ce(III) concentration with the detection limit of 5 ng mL–1 is within of 14–190 ng mL–1. The proposed method can be used for the cerium determination in the presence of many rare earths. Sorption-luminescent method can be applied for determination of trace cerium ions in synthetic water solutions containing rare earth elements of the cerium group. The proposed analytical method gave recoveries from 95 to 98.3% and relative standard deviation from 4.1% to 6.7% determination of cerium.

Sulfur-containing therapeutics in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Sulfur is widely existent in natural products and synthetic organic compounds as organosulfur, which are often associated with a multitude of biological activities. OBenzothiazole, in which benzene ring is fused to the 4,5-positions of the thiazolerganosulfur compounds continue to garner increasing amounts of attention in the field of medicinal chemistry, especially in the development of therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease and the primary cause of age-related dementia posing severe societal and economic burdens. Unfortunately, there is no cure for AD. A lot of research has been conducted on sulfur-containing compounds in the context of AD due to their innate antioxidant potential and some are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. In this review, we have described emerging trends in the field, particularly the concept of multi-targeting and formulation of disease-modifying strategies. SAR, pharmacological targets, in vitro/vivo ADMET, efficacy in AD animal models, and applications in clinical trials of such sulfur compounds have also been discussed. This article provides a comprehensive review of organosulfur-based AD therapeutic agents and provides insights into their future development.

Synthetic Organic Compounds From Paper Industry Wastes: Integrated Biotechnological Interventions.

Synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) are reported as xenobiotics compounds contaminating the environment from various sources including waste from the pulp and paper industries: Since the demand and production of paper is growing increasingly, the release of paper and pulp industrial waste consisting of SOCs is also increasing the SOCs’ pollution in natural reservoirs to create environmental pollution. In pulp and paper industries, the SOCs viz. phenol compounds, furans, dioxins, benzene compounds etc. are produced during bleaching phase of pulp treatment and they are principal components of industrial discharge. This review gives an overview of various biotechnological interventions for paper mill waste effluent management and elimination strategies. Further, the review also gives the insight overview of various ways to restrict SOCs release in natural reservoirs, its limitations and integrated approaches for SOCs bioremediation using engineered microbial approaches. Furthermore, it gives a brief overview of the sustainable remediation of SOCs via genetically modified biological agents, including bioengineering system innovation at industry level before waste discharge.

Challenges and Current Status of the Biological Treatment of PFAS-Contaminated Soils.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs) which are of current concern as they are linked to a myriad of adverse health effects in mammals. They can be found in drinking water, rivers, groundwater, wastewater, household dust, and soils. In this review, the current challenge and status of bioremediation of PFAs in soils was examined. While several technologies to remove PFAS from soil have been developed, including adsorption, filtration, thermal treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction and soil washing, these methods are expensive, impractical for in situ treatment, use high pressures and temperatures, with most resulting in toxic waste. Biodegradation has the potential to form the basis of a cost-effective, large scale in situ remediation strategy for PFAS removal from soils. Both fungal and bacterial strains have been isolated that are capable of degrading PFAS; however, to date, information regarding the mechanisms of degradation of PFAS is limited. Through the application of new technologies in microbial ecology, such as stable isotope probing, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics there is the potential to examine and identify the biodegradation of PFAS, a process which will underpin the development of any robust PFAS bioremediation technology.

Silver‐catalyzed pyrrole synthesis: An overview

The pyrrole structure is a pivotal unit of many natural products, bioactive compounds, and organic materials. Pyrrole derivatives are commonly used as intermediates in the synthesis of various agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other synthetic organic compounds. In organic synthesis, silver catalysis has been of great interest and has spread widely due to unique reactivity, selectivity, stability, and recyclability in catalytic reactions. Over the past decade, numerous synthetic strategies have been established for the facile and effective synthesis of pyrrole derivatives through silver catalysis. This review focuses exclusively on the synthesis of pyrroles via silver catalysis, covering literature until the middle of 2020.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of PCB 77 using an aptamer-catalytic hairpin assembly in an aquatic environment.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic organic compounds that are extremely difficult to break down in water and can accumulate in human fat and organisms. However, methods that can be used to detect large amounts of PCBs remain unsatisfactory, as they are generally overly sensitive and involve complex operations. An aptamer-based catalytic hairpin assembly (aptamer-CHA) reaction for the selective detection of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77) was developed. It combines the advantages of aptamers and signal amplification reactions. The aptamer selectivity recognizes the target, PCB 77, which triggers the sensitive CHA reaction to produce a fluorescence signal. CHA is a sensitive enzyme-free signal amplification method suitable for on-site detection. Therefore, the identification aptamer is the basis for the quantitative detection of PCB 77, with a detection range of 0.01 μg L−1 to 500 μg L−1 and a detection limit of 0.01 μg L−1. In this study, the aptamer was used to improve the selectivity of the reaction, and the CHA reaction improved the sensitivity of the detection system. Such high-sensitivity PCB detection capabilities with simplified procedures may be useful for real-time field detection and other monitoring tasks. This method can be used as a rapid fluorescence detection strategy for other targets in aquatic environments.

Water pollution of world and human health

In the twenty-first century, water deficiencies are a massive obstacle for mankind. Here, we look at the many types of aquatic pollutants, their impact on human health, and how to protect freshwater resources from contamination. Chemical pollution is emphasized, especially inorganic and organic micro pollutants such as hazardous metals and metalloids, as well as a wide range of synthetic organic compounds. Some elements of waterborne illnesses are also addressed, as well as the urgent need for better sanitation in poor nations. The study looks at recent scientific advancements in dealing with a wide range of contaminants. It's divided into sections based on the many temporal and geographical dimensions of global water pollution. For more than five decades, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have had an impact on global water systems; throughout that period, geogenic pollutants, mining activities, and hazardous waste sites were the most significant causes of long-term regional and local water pollution. On a regional to local scale, agricultural chemicals and wastewater sources have a shorter-term impact.

DETERMINATION OF Bisphenol A RELEASED FROM POLYCARBONATE INFANT FEEDING BOTTLES BY UV-VIS SPECTROPHOTOMETRY

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound used as a raw material for the production of polycarbonate plastics, which are widely used in infant feeding bottles, kitchen utensils and other food packaging materials. The migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate feeding bottles into water and milk samples was investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometry based on diazotization-coupling reaction. The proposed method involves diazotization of 4-aminobenzenesulphonic acid under acidic condition in the presence of sodium nitrite at low temperature, followed by its coupling with Bisphenol A, in alkaline medium to produce yellow color azo-dye. The diazo–coupling reagents and time were optimized, the azo-dye formed has absorption maximum at 439nm. BPA was detected within the range of 0.37 – 5.93 µg/mL in the samples using standard addition method. The validation parameters were LOD: 0.48 µg/mL, LOQ: 1.62 µg/mL, while recovery for spiked samples were averagely 97.87 – 99.63 % and %RSD ranged between 0.12- 4.9%. Milk samples have exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for BPA of 50μg/kgbw/day recommended by EFSA.

Bisphenol A, bisphenol S and their glucuronidated metabolites modulate glycolysis and functional responses of human neutrophils

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its main substitute, bisphenol S (BPS), are synthetic organic compounds found in various consumer products, in particular food and beverage containers. Numerous reports have shown a link between bisphenol exposure, human contamination and increased health problems. BPA, BPS and their metabolites are detectable in bodily fluids (blood, urine) and were reported to affect immune cells and their responses. Though, the impact of those chemicals on neutrophils, the most abundant leukocytes in the circulation, remains poorly described. Therefore, we examined the effects of BPA, BPS and their monoglucuronide conjugates on neutrophil energy metabolism and anti-microbial functions, mainly phagocytosis, superoxide anion generation and CXCL8/IL-8 chemokine production. We observed that short and prolonged exposures of neutrophils to these chemicals modulate the basal and the bacterium-derived peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced glycolysis, with BPS causing the most alterations. The variation in energy metabolism was not associated with dysfunctions in cell cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, nor superoxide anion production upon exposure to bisphenols. In contrast, bisphenols significantly reduced the production of CXCL8/IL-8 by neutrophils, an effect found to be greater with the glucuronidated metabolites. Our study highlights that BPA, BPS and their glucuronidated metabolites alter the energy metabolism and certain anti-microbial responses of neutrophils, with possible health implications. Importantly, we found that BPS and the glucuronidated metabolites of BPA and BPS showed higher endocrine-disrupting potential than BPA. More studies on bisphenols, especially the less-documented BPS and bisphenol metabolites, are needed to fully determine their risks, allow better regulation of these compounds, and restrict their extensive usage.

Design and Synthesis of Small Molecules as Potent Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A Inhibitors.

The widespread and uncontrollable emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has promoted a wave of efforts to discover a new generation of antibiotics that prevent or treat bacterial infections neither as bactericides nor bacteriostats. Due to its crucial role in virulence and its nonessentiality in bacterial survival, sortase A has been considered as a great target for new antibiotics. Sortase A inhibitors have emerged as promising alternative antivirulence agents against bacteria. Herein, the structural and preparative aspects of some small synthetic organic compounds that block the pathogenic action of sortase A have been described.

Water purification from metal ions in the presence of organic matter using electromagnetic radiation-assisted treatment

Organic matter is a widely occurring pollutant in freshwater sources due to the extensive use of synthetic organic compounds in industry and the natural occurrence of organic matter in the Earth’s crust. Organic matter causes adverse effects on the performance of water treatment plants, such as accelerated bacterial growth and increased consumption of chemical coagulants. Organic matter also has the ability to chelate some heavy metals forming refractory complexes that resist coagulation. The current research combines electromagnetic radiation (microwave) and electrocoagulation technologies to purify water from OM-heavy metal complexes created using iron and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The organic matter-iron solution was introduced to a microwave field to break down the complex, followed by electrolysis of the solution using an aluminum-base EC cell. Microwave power (50.0–300.0 W), temperature (50.0–150.0 °C) and irradiation period (5.0–15.0 min) were measured. During the electrolysing stage, initial pH (4.0–8.0), current density (1.0–2.0 mA cm−2) and space between electrodes (5.0–20.0 mm), were examined. The results showed that the electromagnetic radiation-electrocoagulation technology removed up to 92% of the organic matter-iron complex in comparison to 69.6% removal using a traditional electrocoagulation method. The best operational conditions were established as follows: 10 min of microwave irradiation at 100 Wat a temperature of 100 °C, followed by 20.0 min of electrolysing at an initial pH of 6.0, the space between electrodes 5.0 mm and current density of 1.50 mA cm−2.

Graphitic-C3N4 coated floating glass beads for photocatalytic destruction of synthetic and natural organic compounds in water under UV light

Many drinking water reservoirs can contain organic pollutants such as artificial synthesized dye and drugs. On the other hand, some naturally occurring microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, are capable of producing toxic secondary metabolites (cyanotoxins) causing detrimental health effects in humans and animals are also present in water reservoirs. Photocatalytic destruction of organic pollutants in-reservoir requires not only good photo-catalytically activity but also efficacy of distribution and recycling. We report here, a facile calcination method of coating graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) onto porous glass beads. Influences of precursor and heating temperature on photocatalytic activity were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. The yellow floating beads show comparable activity to P25 (TiO2) coated beads in the removal of two of the most frequently occurring cyanobacterial toxins, microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin, in artificial freshwater under UV light irradiation. Microcystin-LR was destroyed within 60 min and cylindrospermopsin was removed after 100 min UV irradiation. The coated g-C3N4 layer is very robust and shows negligible degradation on photocatalytic performance when recycled. The recycling of the photocatalyst is very simple because of the large size of the catalyst-coated beads. A large batch was successfully produced in a lab tube furnace. For further application, the ability of g-C3N4 absorbing visible light could pave the way to utilise sunlight for the destruction of toxins in the water.