Friedel–Crafts Acylation Using Solar Irradiation

Abstract

In recent decades, scientists have attempted to make more environmentally friendly chemical synthesis procedures. One area of environmental concern is the amount of electricity required to complete an experiment. An effective means for minimizing the amount of electricity needed to drive chemical reactions to completion is proposed through the use of solar parabolic reflectors. The proposed solar reflectors are assembled by covering unused satellite dishes with Mylar tape, giving the satellite dish reflective properties when the dish is directed at the sun. The ability to use the solar reflector as the sole heat source for organic synthesis reactions is being considered. Comparative studies will be conducted using electrical supplies to compare the solar reflectors ability to generate heat to drive the chemical reactions to completion. Analysis of the products of the reactions will be analyzed using NMR and GC-MS. Preliminary research has shown that the solar reflector is capable of heating a substance to a temperature over 300 °C, which is more than capable to drive most organic synthesis reactions to completion. The synthesis of isobutyrophenone, which is synthesized through a Friedel–Crafts acylation of benzene, has been attempted using the solar reflector.

Wolff–Kishner reduction reactions using a solar irradiation heat source and a green solvent system

“…The same design for the solar reflector was used as the reflector in our previous publication (11). However, we did make one slight adjustment to the set-up.…”

“…We provided a detailed investigation on the seasonal and weather limitations of the solar reflector heat source in our previous publication (11). The work in that publication demonstrated that the solar reflector heat source can be used successfully during any time of the year as long as there is enough sun present to produce at least approximately 600 W/m 2 of solar irradiation.…”

“…Wind is capable of causing notable fluctuations in the reflux temperatures. We were able to solve this problem through the development of a wind blocker, which we discussed in a previous publication (11).…”

“…Recently, we published an article on the design of a solar reflector that could be used to perform high temperature chemical reaction using only solar irradiation as the heat source (11). In the article, we discussed designing a solar reflector out of recycled satellite dishes and reflective Mylar ® tape.…”

Progress towards a more sustainable synthetic pathway to ibuprofen through the use of solar heating

“…Recently, it was shown that solar energy could be used to perform high temperature chemical reaction as the heat source [9][10][11][12]. A solar reflector was designed out of satellite dishes and Mylar ® tape, and a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction was performed using the solar reflector as the sole thermal heat source.…”