Latest research highlights and press releases of the School of Advanced Science and Engineering

Dancing chemicals: Innovative catalytic reaction for low-cost synthesis of aromatic esters

Dancing chemicals: Innovative catalytic reaction for low-cost synthesis of aromatic esters

Scientists discover a novel “ester dance reaction” that can pave the way for various developments in organic chemistry

 

IMAGE: A NEW, PRACTICAL CATALYTIC REACTION, CALLED THE “ESTER DANCE REACTION, ” TO ACHIEVE A HIGH YIELD OF AROMATIC ESTERS FROM LOW-COST STARTING MATERIALS. CREDIT:JUNICHIRO YAMAGUCHI (WASEDA UNIVERSITY)

 

Aromatic esters are chemicals that contain an aromatic ring consisting of functional groups called esters. These organic compounds are widely used as chemical feedstock in industries like food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Thus, finding efficient reactions for their synthesis is an important area of research in organic chemistry. In the petroleum industry, chemists use a unique reaction called aromatic isomerization for the synthesis of aromatic compounds, in which the functional group (mainly hydrocarbon) on the carbon atom in the starting material migrates to another carbon atom on the aromatic ring. But, this reaction requires harsh conditions, and thus, there are considerable doubts regarding its sustainability. <Readmore>