Innovative synthesis and extraction processes

This teaching unit is shared by MI students in the Master's in Chemistry program: ICAP P1, ICAP P2, MAT P1, MAT P2, and BM (semester S2) courses. The following topics will be covered:

• The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and units of measurement in Green Chemistry;
• Synthesis strategies in sustainable chemistry;
• Alternative or eco-friendly solvents for synthesis and extraction;
• Unconventional activation techniques and applications.

CM: 13

Tutorial: 7 hours

Be able to: 1) select the most appropriate activation technique and solvent for the preparation of organic molecules/materials; 2) design synthesis processes with low environmental impact based on the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and synthesis strategies that reduce the number of steps; 3) perform green chemistry calculations (green chemistry metrics).

Organic Chemistry Level L3

Basic concepts of reactivity

Knowledge assessment:

2-hour written final exam

• Authorized documents: no
• Non-graphing calculator permitted: yes
• Internet access: no

Course:

1. The 12 principles of Green Chemistry and units of measurement ( 2 hours);
2. Synthesis strategies in sustainable chemistry ( 3 hours):

• Domino reaction, cascade, multicomponent,
• Catalysis (definitions, C-C, C-N, C-O coupling reactions, and associated catalytic mechanisms);

1. Alternative or eco-friendly solvents for synthesis andextraction (3 hours);

• Ionic liquids (except bio-based) and fluorinated phases (syntheses and properties), and examples of extraction in unconventional environments;
• _sc-CO2 and SPE (Solid Phase Extraction): applications in synthesis and (micro)extraction of odor molecules and cosmetics;
• Selected examples of applications at the laboratory and industrial scale.

1. Unconventional activation techniquesand applications in synthesis and/or extraction ( 5 hours):

(For each technique, the principles of activation, instruments, and applications will be illustrated with appropriate examples, depending on the course):

• Microwave and continuous flow;
• Mechanochemistry and solvent-free methods;
• Ultrasound;
• Examples of application of each technique at laboratory and industrial scale;
• Biotransformations

TD (7 hours): Individual work, exercises to be prepared before and during the session.

Case studies (exercises on the synthesis of alternative solvents, choice of solvent/activation method, exercises on the application of measurement units in sustainable chemistry and interpretation of results, exercises on the synthesis of complex molecules using eco-compatible strategies/methods).