2005 Ohio Student Research Forum

Abstract

Green Chemistry: “Shaken Not Stirred: Discovering the Principles of Mehanochemistry.”
Jermaine Foster
Central State University (University of Cincinnati), Water Resource Management
Mentor(s): Maxwell Shumba and Dr. James Mack

With recent social pressure to develop safer and cleaner chemistry, methods to reduce organic waste and dangerous reactants have been of paramount concern. Since the largest amount if waste comes from the disposal of solvents, we are looking at conducting solvent free- reactions. Using the technique of high speed vibrational milling (HSVM) various solventless reduction reactions have been conducted. The reduction of aldehydes was the focus at this time. The reaction carried out was using 4-bromobenzaldehyde and sodium borohydride to produce 4-bromobenzylalcohol, which remained constant througout the study as well as the time milled. A ball study was carried out to test different ball material and sizes. The ball materials and sizes were switched throughout the procedure to establish which materials produce the highest yield. Yields varied with materials and sizes, at this point Tungsten Carbide produced the highest yields regardless to size, and has proved to be most efficient. (Studies still in progress).