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Thiamine-dependent enzymes catalyze a variety of transformations in nature. We hypothesize that thiamine can also facilitate cross-coupling reactions between carbonyl compounds and alkyl halides, going beyond its natural scope. Preliminary results indicate that the thiamine-dependent enzyme, SucA, catalyzes the coupling of α-ketoglutarate with 1-(bromoethyl)benzene, an unprecedented reaction for these enzymes. To advance our study, we will continue reaction optimization and characterize the enzyme’s selectivity. This will involve conducting reactions and monitoring product formation by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The successful completion of this project will result in a novel pathway to valuable products with high yield and selectivity.
Solar power-based energy, in recent years, has become extremely popular as a source of renewable energy. Despite current research and popularity of solar panels, the cells within each panel can only reach a certain amount of efficiency due to the environment they are placed into and technological limitations. One way of increasing the efficiency of solar panels is to make use of mirrors since they reflect more light onto the cells. This study aims to confirm this theory and discuss how concentrated light on photovoltaic cells is important in moving towards a sustainable future.
Green chemical reactions use safer and less toxic reagents compared to traditional reaction conditions, which may involve harsh and hazardous compounds. A Wittig reaction using green reaction conditions was introduced into the organic chemistry labs at Campbell University in 2018. The synthesis resulted in a method that was safer but produced low yields and impure product. This work focuses on improving yields and purity via optimization of reaction time, temperature, concentrations, and other variables including workup modifications. Recrystallization trials with alternative solvents have shown increased yields. These improvements and other progress towards yield and purity improvements will be reported.
Different alcohol substrates have been tested for a pedagogical multistep synthesis involving alcohol bromination followed by Williamson ether synthesis (WES). The bromination of 1-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethanol was partially optimized according to temperature and acid equivalents, where the former was produced in high yields and conversions. WES trials resulted in a mixture of target ether and styrene that could be quantified by GC. Bromination of 4-biphenylmethanol was optimized according to acid equivalents, temperature, and time, producing a solid alkyl bromide with good yields and high conversions. Both target ethers were formed in WES trials using both MeOH and EtOH.
