Fast and low-cost 1H-NMR/DOSY experiments are a valuable toolbox for CdTe QD complementary characterization, providing valuable information about dynamics and the chemical ligand–core linkage.

Nanotechnological development of new materials involves the discovery or design of materials at small length scales with controlled physical and chemical properties than can be tuned or modified in function of their applications. One of the most suitable examples of nanoparticles used for this purpose are quantum dots, a type of colloidal fluorescent semiconducting nanocrystalline material that has the possibility, due to its unique optical and electronic properties, to be used in numerous technological applications such as biosensing, in vivo imaging techniques, photovoltaics, nanomedicine, molecular pathology, and drug delivery. Thus, there are almost endless possibilities for quantum dots materials. In spite of the fast advance in the search of quantum dots with better nanomaterial performance, environmentally benign and sustainable production is still lacking. Although the use of these materials is developing promptly, there is increasing concern that these materials might pose potential risks to human health. Herein, we discuss principal properties of quantum dots, including their functional architecture and toxicity, and review the main studies about "green" quantum dots synthesis to be aligned with green nanotechnology approach for nontoxic, cleaner, safer, and more responsible processes. The organometallic colloidal synthesis and the aqueous colloidal synthesis, as well as their drawbacks and benefits, are conferred. Recent advances in technological and biological quantum dots-based applications are also discussed in this chapter.

A new green protocol for the efficient synthesis of pharmacologically relevant 4-amidyl-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines (THQs) through the domino type ABB' imino Diels-Alder reaction in acidified water in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactant was developed for the first time. The influence of the SDS micelles and their different concentrations (5.0, 8.2 and 12.0 mM) on reactivity of the imino Diels-Alder reaction was studied. It was found that the best THQ yields (70-99%) are achieved above the critical micellar concentration (12 mM) using pH 1.0-2.5. This procedure resulted in a general and clean environmentally benign protocol to obtain the privileged diastereospecific cis 2,4-disubstituted THQ molecules of highest biological interest.

The ball-milling process of ABB' Povarov reaction through mechano-chemical activation with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) as heteropolyacid (HPA) catalyst, was first time explored. The developed high speed vibratory ball milling (HSVBM) green method offers simple and efficient diastereoselective synthesis of cis-2,4-disubstituted tetrahydroquinolines in good to excellent yields (56-76%).

The synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines via the Povarov reaction has been developed using Ce(SO2)4 as a catalyst. This efficient protocol allowed the toxicity and phenotypic study of these products using a zebrafish embryo model.

Increased interest in luminescent nanoparticles has made it possible to identify the feasibility of developing novel materials or improving existing materials, including designing materials at the nanoscale that can be...

Derivative (IIIb) appears to be the most toxic sample among the tetrahydroquinoline library synthesized.

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