UTA chemists design efficient water-based system for synthesis of organic compounds

Chemists at The University of Texas at Arlington have devised a safer, more environmentally friendly, less expensive and more efficient water-based system for the synthesis of organic compounds typically used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, cosmetics, plastics, textiles and household chemicals.

Most organic synthesis depends heavily on volatile organic solvents, which typically pose significant environmental and health hazards and also are costly.

"Our new system could facilitate cheaper, safer and more efficient industrial reactions across a variety of sectors dependent on synthesis of organic compounds," said Morteza Khaledi, dean of UTA's College of Science and co-investigator of the project. "Using water as a solvent is ideal as it is benign, plentiful, cheap and not harmful to the environment."

The new medium, 80-90 percent water with fluoroalcohol, supports the synthetic reaction of organic compounds and even produces considerably higher yields of product than pure organic solvents.

The system also demonstrates the additional advantage that the mixture forms two separate phases during the reaction, which means that the resulting products can be easily separated and centrifuged out of the mixture. Typically, additional organic solvents are used to facilitate the separation and extraction of product.

"This is a clear step forward towards a "green" organic synthesis process and fits into UTA's strategic focus on Global Environmental Impact within the Strategic Plan 2020," Dean Khaledi said. "The organic solvent can even be recycled after the reaction, which is an additional bonus for the environment. "

UTA chemists design efficient water-based system for synthesis of organic compounds: Chemists at The University of Texas at Arlington have devised a safer, more environmentally friendly, less expensive and more efficient water-based system for the synthesis of organic compounds typically used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, cosmetics, plastics, textiles and household chemicals.