Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-17-2019
Abstract
Semicarbazones are small organic molecules that are frequently used in pharmaceuticals due to their anticonvulsant and anti-tumor biological activity. Previous synthesis of these molecules involved lengthy, high temperature reactions that used toxic and harmful reagents. The focus of this research was to demonstrate the use of a green chemical synthesis in creating these molecules, ultimately optimizing a reaction process for mass-scale production. Green chemistry involves chemical research that is carried out with safe, environmentally friendly reagents in low-energy conditions. Using novel green solvents, an array of semicarbazones were synthesized in an efficient and eco-friendly matter, satisfying green chemistry requirements. The reaction was optimized using two solvents – ethyl lactate and dimethyl isosorbide – both of which qualify as green and are found in cosmetic products. In these two sustainable solvents, we have demonstrated that the reaction can produce quantitative yields of product at room temperature in minutes. These reactions can now be investigated for industrial scale-up, while other small-scale syntheses in these solvents are being developed. The results of this study have promising implications for the development of other green routes to molecules of industrial importance under efficient, environmentally friendly conditions.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Brush, Daniel; McGinn, Cassidy; and Helms, Eric, "Green synthesis of semicarbazones: A comparison of two green solvents" (2019). Papers, Posters, and Recordings. 7.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-works/7