Celebration of Scholars
Micellar Solutions as Alternative Solvent Systems for Organic Synthesis
Name:
Heather Martin
Major: Chemistry, Neuroscience
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Faculty Sponsor: David Brownholland
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE
Name:
Kendall Craig
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Oswego, IL
Faculty Sponsor: David Brownholland
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE
Name:
Laura Krings
Major: Chemistry, Biology
Hometown: Nekoosa, WI
Faculty Sponsor: David Brownholland
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE
Abstract
Organic synthesis produces a massive amount of solvent waste. Organic solvents are toxic, volatile, expensive to dispose of, and their use is unsustainable. A host of alternatives to organic solvents are under development, including solvent-free reactions, supercritical fluids, ionic fluids, and water. Ideally, the most environmentally friendly organic solvent substitute is low in energy costs, can be sustainably synthesized, and is relatively abundant. The obvious candidate to fulfill the mentioned criterion is water. However, it is rarely compatible with organic reactions in terms of solubility and stability, thus presenting limitations to its utility as an organic solvent. This research focuses on the use of micellar solutions to manage these limitations. Micelles provide a medium for the organic reaction to occur within water – the product of which can then be extracted with minute amounts of organic solvent – reducing the amount of organic solvent waste produced. Micelles have even been shown to conduct some reactions more efficiently and at room temperature, thus lowering the energy costs involved in these organic syntheses. The aim of this study is to synthesize a micellar catalyst capable of immobilizing starting materials or catalysts to the interior of the micelle. We report progress on the synthesis of a Δ22 steroidal-PEG surfactant derived from lithocholic acid.
Submit date: March 15, 2016, 11:47 a.m.