A library of novel Dialkyl Carbonates: Synthesis and Applications

Solvent selection and use in chemical processes impact for more than half of the energy required in an industrial plant. In addition, solvents are the most discarded substances in industry, rendering them one of the major responsible for environmental damage. Researching for more eco-friendly media is therefore imperative. A partial solution to this problem is the employment of “green solvents”. In this view, dialkyl carbonates (DACs) constitute a viable solvent alternative in many fields such as: (i) organic syntheses, (ii) electrolytes in lithium batteries, (iii) restoration of artistical manufacts, (iv) membrane preparation and many others. In this PhD thesis, an innovative green synthetic approach was developed for the large-scale production of a new family of custom-made DACs, which were mostly biodegradable while not displaying any cytotoxicity towards animal cells. These compounds were then tested as DMF substitutes for the preparation of porous and dense PVDF membranes, suitable for microfiltration and nanofiltration applications. Moreover, DACs were exploited as solvents and reagents for the synthesis, purification and upgrading of several bio-based platform chemicals i.e. HMF, BHMF and FDME. Finally selected organic carbonates were employed for the synthesis of amino-based carbonated yprites which were then used for the chlorine-free aminoalkylation of phenols. This procedure resulted effective also for the preparation of well-known pharmacophore scaffold. In conclusion, within the work presented in this PhD thesis the main focus of my research was to develop new sustainable synthetic strategies for the production of solvents, reagents and monomers for polymers following the green chemistry principles.