Application of green chemistry in Synhtesis of materials and building blocks employing renewable resources and continuous flow syntesis

Abstract

The goal of continuous microreactor technology is basically to improve or facilitate the ability to complete a task. In organic synthesis, microfluidic systems emerged as a technology aimed at improving a researcher's ability to perform chemical transformations, since the small size of the reactors provides precise control over the main reaction parameters. In the context of Green Chemistry or Sustainable Chemistry, the preparation of compounds with high added value from biomass is a constant exploring field, even under conditions of continuous flow. One notes this great interest is related to the significant and inherent advantages of this process in comparison to the traditional methods of batch biomass processing. In fact, it is remarkable that Prof. Dr. Julio C. Pastre has been working on this exciting topic for years, with numerous projects under development and publications. Therefore, in this doctorate degree's project, it is desired to explore both continuous flow and batch chemistry in the synthesis of materials and building blocks from 100% renewable resources. Among the proposals, we intend to explore the synthesis of polyurethanes from di-isocyanates and 2,5- (dihydroxymethyl) furan - with polycaprolactone linker - both from renewable sources, as well as to evaluate their physicochemical properties. In addition, the synthesis of unnatural amino acids from diols will be evaluated. For this purpose, we plan to study a multi-step process in a continuous stream involving oxidation and transamination reactions. The use of N-acetyl-2-amino-deoxy-glucosamine, a compound derived from chitin - a product derived from crustacean exoskeleton - will also be evaluated to obtain a furan derivative, 3-acetamide-5-acetylfuran, of high added value. The amino group in its structure makes this derivative very rich in synthetic applications. N-acetyl-2-amino-deoxy-glucosamine is used for the treatment of several diseases (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and the fight against aging skin. (AU)