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Updated: May 30, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics
Published on: April 12, 2019
Efficient synthetic protocols in glycerol under heterogeneous catalysis
Giancarlo Cravotto1, Laura Orio, Emanuela Calcio Gaudino
1Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy. giancarlo.cravotto@unito.it
Glycerol, a byproduct of vegetable oil processing, can be effectively used as a green solvent in organic synthesis. Combining it with ultrasound and microwave irradiation overcomes its limitations, enabling efficient chemical reactions.
Area of Science:
- Green chemistry
- Organic synthesis
- Sustainable solvents
Background:
- Glycerol is a readily available byproduct of biodiesel production.
- Traditional organic solvents pose environmental and safety concerns.
- Glycerol's low solubility and high viscosity limit its application as a solvent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel applications of glycerol as a green solvent in organic synthesis.
- To overcome the limitations of glycerol using non-conventional activation methods.
- To demonstrate glycerol's viability as a sustainable alternative to volatile organic solvents.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing high-intensity ultrasound and microwave irradiation, alone or in combination.
- Performing catalytic transfer hydrogenation, Suzuki cross-coupling, and Barbier reactions in glycerol.
- Investigating glycerol's performance as both solvent and hydrogen donor.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound and microwave irradiation effectively mitigate glycerol's viscosity and solubility issues.
- Glycerol facilitates excellent acoustic cavitation at elevated temperatures (70-100 °C).
- Successful synthesis of benzyl alcohol, Suzuki coupling products, and Barbier reaction products was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Glycerol, when activated by ultrasound and microwaves, is a versatile and effective green solvent.
- This approach offers a greener, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional organic solvents.
- The findings support the expanded use of glycerol in sustainable organic synthesis.
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