The research that has occurred in our laboratory is utilizing microwave synthesis to generate different combinations of amines and anhydrides to form Imides. The actual synthesis of the amine and anhydride takes around 8-10 minutes rather than the 8 plus hours as other methods founded in the literature. The resulted product from the microwave synthesis is removed from the microwave and then heated in a mixture of 50% ethanol and 50% water until it dissolves. Then, the filtered and dried product was purified by flash chromatography by using 40% hexane 60% ethyl acetate solvent. The collected samples were tested by TLC analysis to determine if the desired product was isolated. The wanted products were concentrated by rotovaping. Since there is little to no solvent usage in creating our desired product, the microwave method is cheaper and faster than more traditional synthesis techniques. This method is great for classroom use and allows students to grasp a better understanding of basic organic concepts by generating many products and looking at percent yields and which will help students determine which aniline/anhydride combination gives the best and worst results. These combinations can be used outside of the academic lab as well and can serve a purpose in our everyday lives. For example, some succinimide derivatives can be used as insecticides, while other compounds are used for agriculture agents, drugs, or dyes. Therefore, generating and isolating these compounds by a method at faster times and lower costs can be beneficial to the scientific community.<br/><br/>

Microwave synthesized succinimides purified by flash chromatography

249th National Meeting (2015)

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