Sustainable Production of Fine
Chemicals
In the cooperative Epsylon research project funded by the German
Federal Ministry of Education and Research, scientists from Johannes Gutenberg
University Mainz (JGU) and Evonik Performance Materials have succeeded in
developing an innovative electro-organic synthesis.
Mainz/Germany — The results of their research, presented in last
week's issue of Science Advances, allow the use of electrosynthesis as a
sustainable green chemistry for technical applications. The method developed
allows the operator to react flexibly to the available supply of electricity.
Moreover, the operator no longer has to rely on customized electrolysis
apparatuses and can use a wide variety of different equipment.
The method of carrying out chemical reactions using electricity
was developed more than 160 years ago by German chemist Hermann Kolbe. Although
electrochemical syntheses are used in the chemical industry, this has so far
been a niche technology. One reason is that the electrolysis conditions must be
very finely controlled and uniform current input is essential. Due to the
sophisticated technical infrastructure, the option of electrosynthesis remained
unknown to most chemists. Now, in the 21st century, the green
potential of electrochemistry has been rediscovered. It makes sustainable and eco-friendly
chemistry possible with very simple means, particularly with the use of surplus
power from renewable sources, such as wind or solar energy.
Electrons Replace Toxic Agents
Electrochemistry is a versatile and powerful method that can be
used to produce various chemical compounds or to effect chemical changes in
molecules. To put it simply, electrons replace costly and toxic reagents.
Unnecessary wastes can be avoided and the reaction can be halted at any time by
simply switching off the power. Another advantage over classical synthesis is
that many individual steps are more easily implemented by electrochemistry. In
some cases, this can shorten a synthesis by several steps. However,
electrolyses often require a narrow current-density window and long reaction
times. In addition, selectivity and scalability are more difficult or even
impossible.
Novel Electrolyte System
The key to the success of the research group headed by Professor
Siegfried Waldvogel of the Institute of Organic Chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg
University Mainz is the use of a unique electrolyte system. The electrolyses
here have extremely high stability to variation in current density, allowing
operation in a current-density window with a width extending over more than two
orders of magnitude, with no loss of productivity or selectivity. If the supply
of current permits, the electrolysis may be carried out in a short time with
very high current density.
https://www.process-worldwide.com/sustainable-production-of-fine-chemicals-a-678213/?cmp=nl-206&uuid=6BC6FC76-6995-4943-96C5347D1063A36D
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