Industrial Organic Synthesis (IOS)

Research topics

Valorisation of recovered/recycled materials for the replacement of fossil raw materials

Following the principles of the circular economy, the research group develops innovative processes for the waste reduction and recovery. The collaboration with local companies for the recovery & recycling of end of life plastics allowed a successful example in the framework of the Regional Project POR-FESR 2014-2020 entitled "ADVANCED SYSTEMS FOR WASTE RE-COVERY". An efficient protocol for the con- version of non-recyclable plastics has been developed, converting them into additives for the production of high performance asphalt.

Natural biopolymers as an alternative to fossil polymers for food packaging

The European Green Deal recently stres- sed the importance of the development of natural biopolymers for the replacement of fossil plastics. The research group, in collaboration with Spin-Off Crossing, is active in the formulation of eco-sustainable films based on carboxymethylcellulose and chitosan. The biofilms have shown good mechanical properties and excellent barrier properties to water vapor and UV rays. Important are their high biodegradability capacity within 15 and 21 days.

Homogeneous catalysis as a resource for the transformation of biomass into fine chemicals products also in biphasic systems

Sustainable chemistry requires the development of catalytic systems able to reduce energy consumption, increasing selectivity. The research group developed new synthetic methods for fine chemicals by hydrogenation, hydroformylation, carbonylation, cross-coupling and "click chemistry" reactions, including enantioselective ones, within homogenous catalysis, in water or heterogenized in water/organic systems. New rhodium-based catalytic systems modified with water-soluble ligands of natural origin such as thioctic acid or carboxymethylcellulose have recently been synthesized and applied in hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions for the synthesis of intermediates for fine chemicals.

Preparation and application of heterogeneous mono-, bi- and polymetallic catalysts with low metal content

New heterogeneous monometallic and bimetallic catalytic systems, such a Pd/Al2O3, Rh/Al2O3 and Pd-Cu /Al2O3 have been prepared and used in hydrogenation and hydroformylation reactions with goodresults activity and selectivity. We also plan to synthesize polymetallic catalysts using mixtures of metals recovered from exhausted catalytic converters and from electrical and electronic waste (WEEE).

Synthesis of aromas and fragrances of industrial interest

The catalysts prepared by us, both heterogeneous and water-soluble, are also used for the study of new syntheses of commercial fragrances such as Helional, Lioral and others. The preparation of these compounds involves multi-stage synthetic schemes in which catalysis plays a fundamental role, allowing the realization of these processes in greener and more sustainable conditions.