The growing sustainability movement within the chemical industry places emphasis upon the replacement of hazardous solvents as a key area of research.[1] Dipolar aprotic solvents such as DMF and NMP are of particular concern due to their associated reproductive toxicity. Despite increasingly stringent regulations, the use of undesirable dipolar aprotic solvents is still prevalent due to a lack in suitable alternatives.[2]<br/>Many new solvents have been designed to meet industrial needs whilst simultaneously considering the chemical toxicity and life cycle of the product. However, the integration of new solvents into industry can be challenging with direct solvent replacement stratedgies often proving problematic. Efficiency and selectivity of a transformation may be negatively impacted and, due to time constraints, a practitioner may not be able to invest in the re-optimization of a reaction which already performs sufficiently well in conventional solvents.<br/>This presentation will discuss the use of emerging sustainable solvents in fundamental C-C and C-N bond forming reactions.[3] For example, Cyrene is a bio-based alternative for DMF, derived from a renewable source and currently unassociated with any pernicious properties.[4] A thorough investigation into the limitations of Cyrene provided significant insight into the applicability of the solvent in various transformations such as Suzuki-Miyaura and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions, alongside amide bond formation.<br/>These studies aim to ease the transition to less hazardous solvents and aid in embedding sustainability earlier on in the R&D pipeline.<br/>

Alternative solvents in organic synthesis: Supporting the incorporation of sustainability into the chemical industry

255th National Meeting (2018)

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