Innovative Synthesis and Extraction Processes

This course is shared among MI students in the Master’s in Chemistry program: ICAP P1, ICAP P2, MAT P1, MAT P2, and BM (second semester). 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 environmentally friendly solvents for synthesis and extraction;
• Unconventional Activation Techniques and Applications.

CM: 13

TD: 7 H

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

Organic Chemistry (L3 Level)

Basics of Reactivity

Assessment:

2-hour written final exam

• Authorized documents: No
• Non-graphical calculators allowed: yes
• Internet access allowed: 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 reaction, multicomponent reaction,
• Catalysis (definitions, C-C, C-N, and C-O coupling reactions, and associated catalytic mechanisms);

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

• Ionic liquids (excluding bio-based ones) and fluorinated phases (synthesis and properties), and examples of extraction in unconventional media;
• _sc-CO2 and SPE (Solid-Phase Extraction): applications in the synthesis and (micro)extraction of odorant and cosmetic molecules;
• Selected examples of applications at the laboratory and industrial scales.

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

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

• Microwaves and continuous flow;
• Mechanochemistry and solvent-free methods;
• Ultrasound;
• Examples of how each technique is applied on a laboratory and industrial scale;
• Biotransformations

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

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