Greener synthesis of chemical compounds and materials

Abstract

Modern trends in the greener synthesis and fabrication of inorganic, organic and coordination compounds, materials, nanomaterials, hybrids and nanocomposites are discussed. Green chemistry deals with synthesis procedures according to its classic 12 principles, contributing to the sustainability of chemical processes, energy savings, lesser toxicity of reagents and final products, lesser damage to the environment and human health, decreasing the risk of global overheating, and more rational use of natural resources and agricultural wastes. Greener techniques have been applied to synthesize both well-known chemical compounds by more sustainable routes and completely new materials. A range of nanosized materials and composites can be produced by greener routes, including nanoparticles of metals, non-metals, their oxides and salts, aerogels or quantum dots. At the same time, such classic materials as cement, ceramics, adsorbents, polymers, bioplastics and biocomposites can be improved or obtained by cleaner processes. Several non-contaminating physical methods, such as microwave heating, ultrasound-assisted and hydrothermal processes or ball milling, frequently in combination with the use of natural precursors, are of major importance in the greener synthesis, as well as solventless and biosynthesis techniques. Non-hazardous solvents including ionic liquids, use of plant extracts, fungi, yeasts, bacteria and viruses are also discussed in relation with materials fabrication. Availability, necessity and profitability of scaling up green processes are discussed.

Nanoparticles as Potential Antivirals in Agriculture

“…There are also green nanoparticle synthesis methods that are used to reduce the damage caused by various chemical compounds [36]. The objective of green synthesis is partly to decrease the use of dangerous reagents and products and to save energy [37]. Compounds present in the plant extracts that are used to carry out the production of nanoparticles are ketones, aldehydes, flavones, amides, terpenoids, carboxylic acids, phenols, and ascorbic acid [38].…”

Development of homogeneous polyamine organocatalyst for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐substituted benzimidazole and benzoxazole derivatives

“…Hence, there is no need for special reaction vessels, storage containers, and experimental techniques. Moreover, small organic molecules are less toxic and environment friendly than metal‐based catalysts 6,7 . The main difficulty with organocatalyst is in the separation, recovery, and reuse of the catalyst.…”

Crystalline ZnO and ZnO / TiO 2 nanoparticles derived from tert ‐butyl N‐(2 mercaptoethyl)carbamatozinc( II ) chelate: Electrocatalytic studies for H 2 generation in alkaline electrolytes

“…Moreover, the final product is obtained after several steps of chemical reactions. This in turn complicates the overall reaction mechanism, consumes lot of chemicals, and enhances waste formation and thus increases negative environmental impacts 52 . Thus, the development of a new simple, one‐step method free from any templates for synthesis of metal‐semiconductor hybrid nanomaterials with orderly size and shape is still of great importance for both science and industry.…”