Luigi Vaccaro*, Stefano Santoro, Lorenzo Luciani, Camilla Melone, Francesco Ferlin
*Corresponding author
Laboratory of Green Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy

Abstract

The reaction medium plays a key role in the definition of sustainable yet efficient synthetic methodologies. In order to replace classic toxic organic solvents, promising effective and safer alternatives can be found among the chemicals derived from the valorization of waste.
In this article we summarize our recent finding on the use of Rhodiasolv^© Polarclean as a safe solvent derived from Nylon 66 manufacturing waste. The use of Polarclean has led to the definition of waste-minimized copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization reaction. By exploiting its peculiar physical properties, this solvent may offer in some conditions, a valid alternative to toxic polar aprotic solvents for the definition of effective synthetic tools.

INTRODUCTION: NEW SOLVENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY

In scientific, economic and political contexts, the concept of sustainable development is continuously under debate and it probably represents the major societal challenge of our era. Effective technologies, able to minimize the use of fossil sources while preferring the use of renewable resources, are urgently needed. These technologies should also allow the production of the needed goods by minimizing waste that is responsible for the pollution of soil, water and atmosphere (1).

Therefore, since the first definitions of sustainability chemistry has played a pivotal role in the shaping of the modern production, based on cost-effective and environmentally-tolerable methodologies (1).

In each step of a chemical process, solvents are generally necessary. Starting from the dissolution of chemicals or reactants, progressing with the control of a chemical reaction, and ending with the isolation of the desired pure products, solvents are ubiquitous. They are generally used in large volumes and therefore they represent the major contribution to the waste associated to a chemical production, significa ...