Employment of renewable chemical platforms to obtain synthetic intermediates with higher added-value.

Abstract

Biomass is a promising source for generating energy, fuels and fine chemical intermediates needed by humanity. As a focus of many researches, sustainable developments are proposed for the use of biomass constituents in the production of chemicals. Thus, methods that allow the access of new molecules with higher added-value, from biomass, are deeply attractive for industrial chemistry.This postdoctoral project is composed of 2 strategic research axes, whose main objective is to explore the benefits of enabling technologies in obtaining new chemicals from biomass derivatives. Axis 1 aims at the synthesis of new aromatic compounds from furan platforms of renewable origin aiming at the preparation of compounds with isoquinoline, isochronone or isocoumarine scaffolds, and their potential application in the synthesis of natural products and drugs. We will explore these reactions under milling conditions and vary parameters such as milling frequency, filling degree, use of assistant liquid or solid griding agents to prospect results that are comparable or different from those obtained in solution. If the best results are obtained in the presence of solvents, the use of continuous flow microreactors may contribute to the development of intensified processes. In axis 2, we will study the 3A5AF platform and derivatives as building blocks in Diels-Alder reactions aiming at the preparation of new nitrogenated aromatic compounds such as phthalimides and anilines of great industrial relevance.This project aims to use the knowledge in continuous flow chemistry already consolidated in the group of Prof. Julio Pastre and also implement mechanochemistry with the support of Prof. Duncan Browne from UCL-UK. It is worth mentioning that the two groups already collaborate officially through the CAPES-PRINT project and that Prof. Browne is an Associate Research Associate for the JP-2 grant, which begins in April. Although the purchase of two mills is scheduled for the first half of 2022, we emphasize that the candidate is interested in developing part of this research at UCL (request for a BEPE internship at the appropriate time), which will greatly contribute to her professional development.