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Modern alchemists are making chemistry greener

Researchers at Princeton University have found a revolutionary approach using cobalt and methanol to produce an epilepsy drug, replacing toxic rhodium and dichloromethane. The new reaction is faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, offering distinct advantages over traditional methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

The scent of the city

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck used a sophisticated measurement method to create a chemical fingerprint of urban VOC emission sources. The study found that emissions from cosmetics, detergents, and food preparation contribute significantly to the total VOC burden, with some compounds leaving characteristic 'scent' in the air.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

A radical approach to methane oxidation into methanol

Researchers at Osaka University have created a radical reaction that converts methane into methanol and formic acid using a clean, low-temperature process. The process achieves this goal without the need for high temperatures or pressures, converting over 99% of methane into the target products.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2017

From Cellulose to 3-D Objects

Researchers have developed a sustainable 3D printing process using polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), a polymer made from cellulose. The new biobased polymer allows for high-quality objects with good solvent resistance and thermal stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2017

New green solvent could help clean our air

French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2017

Using espresso machines to do chemistry

Researchers extracted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil using an espresso machine, a process that takes only 11 seconds. The results were comparable to those obtained with certified techniques, but the new process was significantly less expensive and faster.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2016

Benign by design

The UCSB organic chemistry team, led by Bruce Lipshutz, developed an ecofriendly approach to the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing palladium requirements. By using iron salt as a palladium substitute, they eliminated heat input and organic solvents, creating a more sustainable process.

Workplace exposure to organic solvents linked to heart defects at birth

Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 17, 2012

Green Chemistry Awards announced

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award winners, recognizing research that can make significant contributions to pollution prevention. The award winners developed innovative methods for producing greener chemicals, fuels, and materials.

A wafer of polyethylene

Researchers have created ultrathin polymer films made of nanocrystals using a novel production technique. The method, led by Stefan Mecking, produces films with a thickness of 50 nm using individual prefabricated nanocrystal building blocks.

SourceWiley·DateJun 3, 2008

Capturing sunlight

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses indoline dye and ionic liquid to improve efficiency. The cells achieve an energy conversion yield of 7.2%, a record for this type of cell, and could potentially lead to more affordable renewable energy.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 28, 2008

Low sperm count linked to organic solvents

A study of over 1200 Canadian manual workers found that moderate occupational solvent exposure was associated with a significant increase in low sperm counts. Painters, decorators, and builders were at the highest risk, while glycol ethers are suspected to be hazardous to male fertility

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 10, 2001

New, Environmentally Friendly Technique For Separating Liquids Invented At UNC-CH

Researchers at UNC-CH have invented a process using carbon dioxide to separate liquids, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic solvents. The new method, described in Nature, has shown success in removing dye from water and could be applied in industries releasing vast amounts of waste water into the environment.