Green Chemistry

Using a CeO2 catalyst, researchers develop an effective catalytic process for the direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols without the need for dehydrating agents. The high yield, high selective process has CO2 blown at atmospheric pressure to evaporate excess water by-product allowing for a catalytic process that can be used with any substrate with a boiling point higher than water.

A safe and sustainable chemical reagent could aid cost-efficient development of new materials and medicines.

Nagoya University researchers produce valuable esters in high yield using environment-friendly catalyst.

Tailor-made membranes offer a cleaner method for the industrial-scale separation of chemical mixtures, says Suzana Nunes. But first we need to make their manufacture greener.

Multiplex detection of antioxidants / food additives / preservatives in food samples is possible using our newly developed graphite-based nanocomposite electrochemical sensor from used alkaline battery. The chemical sensor not only leads to shorter analysis time but also is a greener chemistry innovation.

Acetylene is one of the primary starting materials for chemical synthesis. However, acetylene is known as gas, which is highly flammable, dangerous and difficult to use in regular research laboratories. A novel solid acetylene regent was developed to make chemical applications safe and easy to use (doi: 10.1039/c7gc00724h).

Synthesizing life-saving pharmaceuticals from natural biomass can be more cost-efficient than traditional methods and produces fewer toxic byproducts.

From bacteria fighting bacteria to space cucumbers, Asia Research News 2017 showcases the brightest discoveries from Asia.

A more efficient DNA technology to detect and treat infectious diseases and cancer has been developed by researchers at Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Scientists from St.Petersburg University and Zelinsky Institute, Russia investigated chemical applications of calcium carbide. The project advances the idea of diverse acetylene chemistry on the basis of carbide technology. Cheap carbide raw material has been transformed into valuable products for material science and organic synthesis.

(Tokyo, 26 August 2013) The gene mechanism responsible for altering magnesium ion secretion in fish is uncovered by scientists at Tokyo Tech. The details are described in the August 2013 issue of Tokyo Institute of Technology Bulletin

The recycling spent nickel catalysts could be both profitable and environmentally friendly

New findings reveal how layered metallic hydroxide crystals can trap carbon dioxide gas at elevated temperatures

Summaries of newsworthy papers - Special: International Year of Chemistry 2011; Materials science: Polycrystalline graphene — the big (and small) picture; Chemistry: Large molecules from small templates; World View: Legal highs – the dark side of medicinal chemistry

“We hope our partnership in green chemistry and nanotechology will lead to results that will make significant contributions to resolving pressing global issues and pave the way for a sustainable society.” - RIKEN executive director Yoshiharu Doi

Nature China highlights the best research coming out of Mainland China and Hong Kong, providing scientists from around the world with a convenient portal into publications drawn from across all scientific disciplines.

A solid acid catalyst that can convert vegetable oils into 'biodiesel' fuel could replace the expensive and inefficient process used today, according to a Brief Communication in this week's Nature.