PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure

Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure
2024-01-10
(Press-News.org) The widely used dry-cleaning and degreasing solvent perc can be converted to useful chemicals by a new clean, safe and inexpensive procedure. The Kobe University discovery using on-demand UV activation may open the path to upcycling perc and thus contribute to a more sustainable society.

Organic synthesis is the production of useful chemicals, such as drugs, from other available chemicals. In general, chemists use source materials to create simple building blocks, such as carbonate esters, and combine them to increasingly complex structures. The source materials for this need to be reactive, but that also usually makes them toxic, such as the commonly used phosgene. For this reason, chemists are constantly on the lookout for new source materials that are safer and more environmentally friendly while also retaining their reactivity. Ideally, they would like to use abundant and safe waste materials and turn them into useful products without that process also resulting in toxic by-products.

The Kobe University research group of TSUDA Akihiko specializes in the development of one-pot and flow organic synthesis using UV light. Such reactions have the advantages that they provide a closed environment in which harmless source materials can be photo-activated by the high-energy light on demand, eliminating the need for procuring or storing possibly toxic source materials; and that any reactive and thus possibly dangerous products can immediately be reacted further with other compounds, eliminating the need to extract them or the danger of their leaking into the environment. They now built on their experience and partnered with the Japanese material manufacturer AGC Inc. to refine their process. Together, they focused on an attractive target, the commonly used degreasing and dry-cleaning agent perc, or perchloroethylene as chemists call it, which is non-harmful and produced in large quantities around the world.

Publishing in The Journal of Organic Chemistry, the academia-industry partnership describes a method to turn perc into carbonate esters and chloroform, valuable building blocks for further organic synthesis, efficiently and in large quantities without any direct handling of toxic source materials such as phosgene. Tsuda explains: "Because perc is nonflammable and stable enough to be used as a solvent, its use as a raw material for organic synthesis has received little attention. However, using our original photo-on-demand organic synthesis method, we have succeeded for the first time in simultaneously obtaining industrially important carbonates and chloroforms from that source."

In addition, to further reduce the environmental impact of their system, they tested replacing conventional mercury lamps that emit high-energy UV light with LED lamps generating mild UV light. While that required some modification of the reaction process, they could still successfully synthesize the desired products, opening up even greater potential to make organic synthesis more sustainable.

Tsuda is hopeful for the environmental impact of their new development. He says, "It is a safe, inexpensive, simple, and environmentally friendly chemical reaction. I expect that this new method of utilizing and upcycling perc, which is used in large quantities around the world, will be a significant step toward the realization of a carbon neutral and sustainable society."

This research was supported by the Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-driven R&D (A-STEP) from the Japan Science and Technology Agency. It was conducted in collaboration with AGC Inc.

Kobe University is a national university with roots dating back to the Kobe Commercial School founded in 1902. It is now one of Japan's leading comprehensive research universities with nearly 16,000 students and nearly 1,700 faculty in 10 faculties and schools and 15 graduate schools. Combining the social and natural sciences to cultivate leaders with an interdisciplinary perspective, Kobe University creates knowledge and fosters innovation to address society’s challenges.

END

[Attachments] See images for this press release:
Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure 2 Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure 3

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Countries and companies need to address declining global fertility rates, doctors say

2024-01-10
The global fertility rate is declining and most governments are failing to recognize and address the impact on economies and societies, say a group of physicians invited by the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) in a new paper and campaign launched today. “Not including the effects of migration, many countries are predicted to have a population decline of more than 50% from 2017 to 2100,” the physicians write in “Declining global fertility rates and the implications for family planning and family building,” published January 10, 2024 in Human Reproduction Update.  “By 2050, 77% of predominantly high-income countries, and ...

The reaction mechanism for catalytic ammonia production experimentally determined

The reaction mechanism for catalytic ammonia production experimentally determined
2024-01-10
Researchers at Stockholm University have for the first time been able to study the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts when ammonia is formed from nitrogen and hydrogen; the results are published in the scientific journal Nature. A better knowledge of the catalytic process and the possibility of finding even more efficient materials opens the door for a green transition in the currently very CO2-intensive chemical industry. Ammonia, produced in the Haber-Bosch process, is currently one of the most essential base chemicals for the world to produce fertilizers, with an annual production of 110 million tones. The journal ...

Ancient DNA reveals reason for high multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s rates in Europe

Ancient DNA reveals reason for high multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s rates in Europe
2024-01-10
Researchers have created the world’s largest ancient human gene bank by analysing the bones and teeth of almost 5,000 humans who lived across western Europe and Asia up to 34,000 years ago. By sequencing ancient human DNA and comparing it to modern-day samples, the international team of experts mapped the historical spread of genes – and diseases – over time as populations migrated. The ‘astounding’ results have been revealed in four trailblazing research papers published today (10 January 2024) in the same issue of Nature and provide new ...

Noninvasive test for embryo quality could streamline fertility treatment

Noninvasive test for embryo quality could streamline fertility treatment
2024-01-10
In-vitro-fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing eggs in the laboratory and later implanting them in the uterus, has been a source of hope for many people struggling to conceive. However, the multi-step process is complex, and the overall live birth rate after IVF treatment is only 20-40% in females younger than 40 in the United States. One of the reasons for this low success rate is that it’s very difficult for doctors to determine which lab-grown embryos are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy, so many people seeking IVF must go through multiple rounds of treatment. Now, scientists at University of California San Diego School of ...

Metal-free graphene quantum dots show promise for highly efficient tumor therapy

Metal-free graphene quantum dots show promise for highly efficient tumor therapy
2024-01-10
A research group led by Prof. WANG Hui from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has introduced a metal-free nanozyme based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for highly efficient tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The study was published in Matter. GQDs represent a promising and cost-effective means of addressing the toxicity concerns associated with metal-based nanozymes in tumor CDT. However, the limited catalytic activity of GQDs has posed significant challenges for their clinical application, particularly under challenging catalytic conditions. "The obtained GQDs, which are made from red blood cell membranes, ...

Scientists name the commonest tropical tree species for the first time

2024-01-10
UCL Press Release + table Under embargo until Wednesday 10 January 2024, 16:00 UK time / 11:00 US Eastern time   A major international collaboration of 356 scientists led by UCL researchers has found almost identical patterns of tree diversity across the world’s tropical forests. The study of over one million trees across 1,568 locations, published in Nature, found that just 2.2% of tree species make up 50% of the total number of trees in tropical forests across Africa, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia. Each continent consists of the same proportion of a few common species and many rare species. While ...

Global prevalence of adolescent use of nonprescription weight-loss products

2024-01-10
About The Study: This meta-analysis that included 90 studies with 604,000 participants found that use of weight-loss products occurs at high levels in adolescents, especially girls. These findings suggest that, given the ineffectiveness of these products for weight loss coupled with their harmful long-term health consequences, interventions are required to reduce use of weight-loss products in this group.  Authors: Natasha Yvonne Hall, Pharm.B., M.H.E., of Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, is the corresponding author.  To access the embargoed study: Visit our For ...

Early prediction of autistic spectrum disorder using developmental surveillance data

2024-01-10
About The Study: In this study of nearly 1.2 million children, prediction models achieved high performance in predicting the likelihood of autistic spectrum disorder, using information from routine developmental assessments. This tool may be seamlessly integrated in the clinical workflow to improve early identification of children who may benefit from timely interventions.  Authors: Guy Amit, Ph.D., of the KI Research Institute in Kfar Malal, Israel, is the corresponding author.  To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/  (doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51052) Editor’s ...

Epic of a molecular ion: With eyes of electrons

Epic of a molecular ion: With eyes of electrons
2024-01-10
Ions are everywhere, from our daily surroundings to the cosmic expanse. As common table salt (NaCl) dissolves into sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions in water, it imparts a salty taste. Once absorbed by the body, these ions regulate nerve impulses and muscle movements. In the sun, plasma—a gathering of ions in the gaseous state—undergoes nuclear fusion reactions, transmitting light and energy to Earth. One of the most noteworthy usage ions in everyday life is found in lithium-ion batteries, ...

Scientists find “key” to potential breast cancer prevention, treatment

Scientists find “key” to potential breast cancer prevention, treatment
2024-01-10
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Every time a cancer cell divides, it sustains damage to its own DNA molecules. Researchers, including Gaorav Gupta, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the UNC School of Medicine, have long wondered how cancers are able to evade detection by the body’s own defenses, despite the immune system being on constant watch for cells displaying DNA damage. New findings by Gupta’s lab, which were published in Nature, shows how the cGAS-STING pathway – a pathway inside cells essential for activating the inflammatory immune response – is unleashed to prevent cancer formation by detecting DNA damage within ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

AI can spot which patients need treatment to prevent vision loss in young adults

Half of people stop taking popular weight-loss drug within a year, national study finds

Links between diabetes and depression are similar across Europe, study of over-50s in 18 countries finds

Smoking increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of its characteristics

Scientists trace origins of now extinct plant population from volcanically active Nishinoshima

AI algorithm based on routine mammogram + age can predict women’s major cardiovascular disease risk

New hurdle seen to prostate screening: primary-care docs

MSU researchers explore how virtual sports aid mental health

Working together, cells extend their senses

Cheese fungi help unlock secrets of evolution

Researchers find brain region that fuels compulsive drinking

Mental health effects of exposure to firearm violence persist long after direct exposure

Research identifies immune response that controls Oropouche infection and prevents neurological damage

University of Cincinnati, Kent State University awarded $3M by NSF to share research resources

Ancient DNA reveals deeply complex Mastodon family and repeated migrations driven by climate change

Measuring the quantum W state

Researchers find a way to use antibodies to direct T cells to kill Cytomegalovirus-infected cells

Engineers create mini microscope for real-time brain imaging

Funding for training and research in biological complexity

The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: September 12, 2025

ISSCR statement on the scientific and therapeutic value of human fetal tissue research

Novel PET tracer detects synaptic changes in spinal cord and brain after spinal cord injury

Wiley advances Knowitall Solutions with new trendfinder application for user-friendly chemometric analysis and additional enhancements to analytical workflows

Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior

OpenAI, DeepSeek, and Google vary widely in identifying hate speech

Research spotlight: Study identifies a surprising new treatment target for chronic limb threatening ischemia

Childhood loneliness and cognitive decline and dementia risk in middle-aged and older adults

Parental diseases of despair and suicidal events in their children

Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults

Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults

[Press-News.org] Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure