Date of Award
August 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Qianli (Rick) Chu
Abstract
The first section of this study investigates the effect of low temperatures on [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions of a furan derivative, furyl acrylic acid, which can be derived from biomass, and its effect on various photoactive monomers. The experiments demonstrated that the furan derivative could dimerize in extreme temperatures (-196 oC) using liquid nitrogen with up to 82% conversion. The second chapter is dedicated to developing a more environmentally friendly reaction procedure for a different furan derivative, maleic anhydride, with simple olefins (specifically cyclohexene and 1-hexene). Traditionally, these reactions were performed with medium-pressure mercury lamps, conventional photochemical reaction vessels, and flow reactors, which all involve specialized equipment and are often expensive. This study successfully utilized more eco-friendly methods with repurposed plastic as the reaction vessel and ECO-UVA lights as the radiation source. Some low-temperature experiments with maleic anhydride and simple olefins were also done to limit polymer byproducts.
Recommended Citation
Ward, Sierra Rose, "Sustainable Synthesis: An Emphasis On Green Chemical Reactions Using Eco-UVA Light For [2+2] Photocycloadditions Of Furan Derivatives" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 6463.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/6463