Three no-solvent-added approaches to synthesizing tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), including mechanochemical, microwave, and gas phase synthesis were carried out. These were compared with each other and with the traditional solvent based approach to determine which is most “green.” Our work was developed into an undergraduate laboratory experiment. Previous researchers (Warner, et. al, <i>Green Chemistry</i>, <b>2001</b>, 3, 267–270.) have published the gas phase and microwave synthesis of TPP for undergraduate labs. Our work adds a mechanochemical approach and a quantitative comparison of the different synthetic methods to obtain TPP. This work will help undergraduate students to become aware of more sustainable approaches to chemical synthesis and ways to measure and compare the sustainability of various procedures. Each synthesis was carried out multiple times and isolated yields of the product were recorded. In addition, all materials used for synthesis and purification were tracked and measured. This allowed calculation and comparison of EcoScale scores and E-factor for each synthesis. Comparing results in this way enables determination of the most sustainable approach to a given synthesis. Introducing these concepts to undergraduate students will raise awareness of green chemistry and what factors to consider when comparing various approaches to synthesis of the same product.

Comparing mechanochemical synthesis of tetraphenylporphyrin with other greener" synthetic approaches

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.