bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ionic Liquids: Bacterial Degradation in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Diaz Elena , Monsalvo Victor , Palomar Jose , Mohedano Angel F. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are probably the kind of chemical compounds that have been most intensively investigated in the past 10 years. The potential applications of ILs cover practically all disciplines of chemistry, having received particular attention in separation processes, catalysis, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and material science. This increasing use promotes the synthesis and application of the new IL compounds at larger scales. As a consequence, a parallel effort has been made by the scientific community to evaluate the potential environmental hazards of ILs. With equal focus, several researches have also made relevant progress in the development of effective treatments to recover or remove ILs from wastewaters and soils. Certainly, the current state of art in the field of ILs results from the cooperative and multidisciplinary work of experts from different scientific fields. In this work, the toxicity and biodegradability of ILs have been revised from the point of view of environmental engineers, centering the analysis on the expected need of managing ILs in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). For this purpose, the available standard tests and other methods to evaluate the toxicity of potential xenobiotic compounds are summarized. An overview of the reported toxicities of ILs toward different assays is presented, with particular emphasis in the available guidelines for designing ILs with low toxicity. The standardized tests for determining the biodegradability of xenobiotics are also collected and described. Lastly, the biodegradation behavior of ILs have been summarized, as evidenced in the bibliography, depending on their structural features and the biological systems used in the bioassays. Preliminary analysis, focused on relevant aspects on the toxicity and biodegradability of ILs, was performed in our laboratory using activated sludge. The main aim is to provide useful guidelines for the future development of biological processes for treating wastewater contaminated with ILs in a WWTP.
TiO
2

‐Based Heterogeneous Catalysis for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation and Photodegradation
Authors: Wang Jing , Ong Wei Li , Gao Minmin , Zhu Liangliang , Ho Ghim Wei 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Globalization, industrialization, and manufacturing have expanded at an alarming rate over past decades. This has caused a rapid depletion of natural energy sources (such as oil and gas) and the production of tones of wastes polluting the environment, which in turn has imposed negative impact on human health. A promising way to tackle the energy crisis and environmental issues is to substitute traditional fossil fuels with clean and sustainable sources of energy. Among them, solar energy is an inexhaustible and the most environment‐friendly resource, which can be effectively absorbed and utilized via a photocatalysis process for hydrogen production from water splitting and degradation of organic pollutants. Titanium dioxide (TiO
2
) is one of the most extensively studied photocatalytic materials, by virtue of its compatible band‐edge position, physiochemical stability, nontoxicity and low cost. However, its photoactivity is remarkably restricted due to the inefficient light absorption only in the UV region of the solar spectrum, as well as easy recombination of photogenerated electrons/holes. To mitigate these limitations, synergistic combination of electronic and structural strategies has been developed in recent years. In this chapter, we have highlighted TiO
2
‐based photocatalysts with well‐defined electronic structure control and structural design that contribute to significant improvements in vital processes and attributes, such as light absorption in the visible region, charge‐carrier dynamics, high surface area, and enhanced light harvesting. Electronic structure engineering, namely doping and heterostructuring, plays a critical role in improving the kinetics of the charge carriers, that is, the separation of electrons and holes pairs, and the extension of light absorption to visible light region, thereby enhancing the photoefficiency of TiO
2
. The structural design of TiO
2
involves various dimensions and morphologies, which not only augments the specific surface area, but also provides suitable platforms to incorporate other materials for maximizing the photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, fundamental understanding of the kinetics and dynamics of photoreactivity and other physicochemical properties is covered. The goal is to provide a comprehensive background toward rational engineering of semiconducting photocatalysts and also a guide for future structural design of nanoscale catalysts for solar‐to‐fuel conversion purposes in pursuit of an exciting future of clean and renewable fuel and environmental remediation.
Solid Catalysts for Epoxidation with Dilute Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Fraile José M. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
From an environmental point of view, dilute hydrogen peroxide is one of the most attractive oxidants for epoxidation of alkenes, but it requires the use of highly selective catalysts to prevent or minimize the side reactions associated with the homolytic breakdown of the hydrogen peroxide molecule and the presence of water. Heterogeneous catalysts can activate diluted hydrogen peroxide through different mechanisms, but the expected high activity, selectivity, and recoverability require an integral design of the catalyst, both the near environment of the metal (active) center and the surface and textural properties of the whole solid. Titanium‐based heterogeneous catalysts are the most popular ones, with TS‐1 zeolite as a successful example of practical application in the synthesis of propylene oxide, combining the required isolated tetrahedral Ti sites with a hydrophobic microporous structure of the solid. Supported tungstates are also useful catalysts for epoxidation with diluted hydrogen peroxide, whereas other metals, such as Mn, usually require the presence of organic ligands to modulate their activity and selectivity. In all those cases the generated intermediate (metal–peroxy, metal–hydroperoxy, metal–oxo) is electrophilic and the catalysts are more efficient with electron‐rich alkenes. However, it is possible to activate hydrogen peroxide by abstraction of a proton, leading to a nucleophilic hydroperoxide anion able to epoxidize electron‐poor alkenes. Hence solid bases, such as Al–Mg mixed oxides or modified phosphates, can also play the role of epoxidation catalysts.
Sustainable Production of Glycerol
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Pagliaro Mario 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFollowing the boom in biodiesel and oleochemical manufacturing that started in 2004, the glycerol market traditionally dominated by oleochemical/soap suppliers and by selected manufacturers of petrochemical glycerol has been completely reshaped. In about a decade, the yearly glycerol output reaching the marketplace has gone up from a few 100 000 tons to 4 million tons in 2014, independently of market demand. This study investigates the sustainability of bioglycerol production and utilization a decade after the beginning of the bioglycerol era.
Trends in Food and Agricultural Waste Valorization
Authors: Burange Anand , Clark James H. , Luque Rafael 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Food and agricultural waste emerged as a resource with significant potential to be employed as raw material for the production of valuable products in biorefineries. The present contribution has been aimed at providing a general overview of the current trends in food and agricultural waste valorization to a number of chemicals, materials and fuels, providing a range of examples related to various initiatives and types of feedstocks under investigation, worldwide. Particular emphasis will be laid on second generation waste valorization and reuse strategies for the production of higher value and marketable products rather than conventional food waste processing (incineration for energy recovery, feed, or composting) while highlighting the issues linked to the use of food and agricultural waste as a sustainable raw material.
Sustainable Syntheses with Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Vats Tanvi , Mishra Anuradha 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
This article deals with the application of MW in field of sustainable syntheses covering major fields like organic, polymers, inorganic and nano particles. A considerable portion of the article is devoted to the understanding of MW instrumentation and effects from a chemist's point of view. The monomodal and multimodal instruments are described in detail. The utility and limitation of domestic MW oven in laboratory along with hazards and safety measures related to MW in laboratory are described. It also explains the modus operandi of MW heating, the manner in which it differs from conventional heating; various thermal and non thermal MW effects are also covered. Besides these the sustainability in various solvents as well as solvent free synthesis has also been talked about.
In the field of organic synthesis the thrust is upon controlled MW reactions. These reactions find use in several synthetic procedures and commercial exploitation of several such MW aided reactions has taken place. Various kinds of polymerization reactions that involve the use of MW irradiations are also outlined. This segment also includes the MW aided synthesis of commercially important hydrogels and polymer scaffolds used in drug delivery and tissue engineering among others.
The synthesis of inorganic materials under MW irradiations is segmented in various categories, viz., (a) direct reactions, including those involving the use of simple compounds; (b) preparation of solids which involve decompositions and combinations giving rise to solids of complex composition; (c) nitridation reactions; (d) reactions brought about in liquid media; (e) preparation of glasses; (f) selective deoxidation reactions; and (g) plasma‐assisted reactions.
The nanoparticle synthesis is dealt in terms of solvents used. The various solvent systems described are aqueous, alcoholic, ionic liquids and mixed solvent systems.
The article concludes in the various challenges, limitation and scope of MW aided syntheses on commercial platform. It also discusses new opportunities in this field.
Sustainable Water Remediation
Authors: Gupta Anjali , Mishra Anuradha 
Published: September 2016

AbstractContamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, aquifers, oceans, and groundwater has led to a serious problem of water pollution. The various reasons for this threat constitute both anthropogenic and non‐anthropogenic factors including population explosion, industrialization, and globalization, which lead to the addition of toxic metals, dyes, and organic and inorganic compounds in water. Consumption of these toxic metals for longer time may cause various disorders in the human body including decreased immunological defenses, disabilities associated with malnutrition, and high rate of upper gastrointestinal cancer. Remediation of water includes the elimination of contaminants for a pollution‐free environment. Attention has also been focused on developing green sustainable technologies that must be esthetic, eco‐friendly, socially acceptable, and economical. Water remediation using green technologies has been divided into two groups; bioremediation, that is decontamination using plants, fungi, algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms and second remediation method is through natural products or modified natural products. Bioremediation is the use of plants and microorganisms for the breakdown of contaminants to nontoxic or less harmful products. It is used to purify groundwater, soil, sludge‐carrying pesticides, hydrocarbons, and other organic chemicals for detoxification. Bioremediation consists of phytoremediation through which detoxification is carried out through green plants and their biomass. It helps in the removal of toxic metals by complexation. Periphyton biofilms composed of bacilli and cocci for the treatment of aquatic ecosystem remove COD, UV254 nm matter, and toxic metals; algal biomass is used for the removal of harmful dyes from wastewater. Natural products also emerge as potential compounds to remediate toxic metals from industrial effluents. Some of the natural products used for this purpose are polysaccharides, crab shell, papaya wood, etc.; modified natural products such as zeolites having selectivity for ammonia, transition metals, bacteria, and radioactive elements; functionalized silica gel for removing metals; nanomaterials as potential antimicrobial agents and to remove metals and organic contaminants; ionic liquids as excellent solvent for the extraction of various heavy metals; surfactant modification for removal of oxo ions such as chromate, oxalate, etc.; and inorganic–organic hybrid polymeric materials for water purification. The use of such materials will lead to a better and more sustainable way of treating polluted water.
Renewable Plant‐Based Raw Materials for Industry
Authors: Tripathy Divya Bajpai , Mishra Anuradha 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRenewable raw materials can be defined as the sum of all substances obtained from living world, from plant and animal kingdom. The total production of biomass on our earth is estimated at about 170 billion tons per annum that roughly consists of 75% carbohydrates, 20% lignins, and 5% of other materials such as oils and fats, proteins, alkaloids, and terpenes, etc. Out of which about 6 billion tons are currently being used for human needs (3.7 billion tons for food purposes, 2 billion for energy fuels, pulp and paper production, 300 million tons for specialty materials, etc.).Plant‐based renewable raw materials are obtained from agriculture and forestry. There are a number of plants products that have proven potential to be used as a feedstock for many industries. Plant oils, steroids, polysaccharides, terpenoids/terpenes, alkaloids, and flavonoids are the most important plant materials that have been in use in many industrial sectors. Sugar or glucose obtained from sugar cane, sugar beet, potatoes, corn, wheat, cassava, rice, and so on are known to be used as one of the most essential substrate for industrial fermentation processes. Plant oils, for example, palm, soybean, rice bran, and coconut oil, produce various oleo‐chemicals such as triglycerides, fatty acids/alcohols, and glycerol that are utilized to produce specialty products such as tensides, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Cellulose obtained from wood is particularly used in pulp and paper industry. Flavonoids extracted from aromatic plants such as rose, acacia, and many more are the chief raw materials in perfumeries.The plant‐based raw materials go through many chemical and biotechnological processes to come into a shape of end product. The most common raw materials such as sugars, cellulose, and oils can produce an almost infinite range of products.Plant‐based raw materials have so many advantages over fossil feedstocks. They are nontoxic and hence assert their suitability for the products, which have direct contact with skin and eyes such as cosmetics, medicines, and surfactants. Their easy biodegradability makes them superior from an environmental point of view.Despite having many advantages, plant‐based raw materials have some limitations. The seasonal variation in quality and quantity of crops and their noncontinuous supply are the major disadvantages associated with plant‐based raw materials.
Methylethers from Alcohols and Dimethyl Carbonate
Authors: Aricò Fabio , Tundo Pietro 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Different synthetic approaches to methylethers by reaction of alcohols with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) have been reported. Direct methylation has been achieved in good yields using basic alumina or hydrotalcite KW2000 as catalyst either in batch or continuous‐flow conditions. A two‐step synthetic approach, consisting of carboxymethylation of the parent alcohol followed by decarboxylation, was also reported. In this case the reaction is complicated by the side reactions occurring and required the use of high temperature and appropriate solvent to achieve methylethers in high yield. A high‐yielding methylation of cyclic sugar isosorbide that incorporates secondary hydroxyls groups, by reaction with DMC, has been also reported. It is noteworthy that methylation of secondary alcohols usually required high temperature and it is complicated by the formation of elimination products; however, in this case, dimethyl isosorbide was achieved at low temperature (90 °C) and in quantitative yield.
Zinc‐Transporting
P
‐Type
ATPases
Authors: Sitsel Oleg , Duelli Annette , Gourdon Pontus 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

P‐type ATPases are active transporters that translocate a range of ions and molecules across cellular membranes. While the overall structure and transport cycle are conserved, subclasses have adapted to the transport of specific ions. This article provides a compact guide to zinc‐transporting subclass 1B‐2 P‐type ATPases (Zn(II)‐ATPases), examining their topology, transport cycle, occurrence, and biological function. Focusing on the Zn(II)‐ATPase from the bacterium
Shigella sonnei
, it outlines how the protein can be overproduced, purified, functionally characterized, and crystallized. Finally, functionally crucial aspects of the structure of Zn(II)‐ATPases are examined, including adaptations for ion acquisition, high‐affinity binding, and subsequent release.
Fe4S4‐Quinolinate Synthase (NadA)
Authors: Cherrier Mickaël V , de Choudens Sandrine Ollagnier , Fontecilla‐Camps Juan C 
Published: September 2016

AbstractQuinolinate synthase is the second enzyme in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) syntheticde novopathway I. The enzyme reacts iminoaspartate with dihydroxylaceton phosphate to form the universal NAD precursor quinolinic acid. Iminoaspartate is made froml‐aspartate by aspartate oxidase in many prokaryotes such asEscherichia coli, and by aspartate dehydrogenase in Archaea and hyperthermophilic bacteria. Quinolinate synthase is a fascinating multifunctional enzyme capable of catalyzing a TIM‐like isomerization, a dephosphorylation‐coupled condensation, and two dehydrations. All these reactions appear to take place in a relative small cavity facing the Fe4S4cluster at the end of a protein tunnel that gets obstructed by their binding.
Ionic Liquids: Recycling
Authors: Sklavounos Evangelos , Helminen Jussi K.J. , Kyllönen Lasse , Kilpeläinen Ilkka , King Alistair W.T. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
For ionic liquid processes to be adopted by industry there are two main challenges. First is the enormous capital and running costs when using expensive ionic liquids, compared to molecular solvents. In addition, if ionic liquids are disposed of there is great potential for environmental damage. These factors can be mitigated, by recycling ionic liquids in any process or product life cycle, as far as possible. This chapter reviews the topic of ionic liquid recycling, covering the main methods of recycling in the academic and patent literature. These include the classical methods of recycling compounds such as distillation, phase separation, extraction and crystallization. Adsorption and membrane methods are also covered. The various mechanisms of distillation will be covered, including distillation of ion pairs or dissociation of ionic liquids into volatile neutral species, which vaporize and recondense. The topic of aqueous biphasic systems is also covered, under the general method of phase separation. It is shown how even water miscible ionic liquids can be separated with the use of kosmotropic salts, commonly described in the Hofmeister series. Throughout this discussion the applicability to recycling of ionic liquids on an industrial scale is also considered.
Chemoselectivity Improvement via Partial Shielding of an Imidazole Active Site in Branched/Dendritic Homogeneous Catalysts of the Baylis–Hillman Reaction
Authors: Karabline‐Kuks Jeny , Ramesh Palakuri , Portnoy Moshe 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWhile comparing analogous polystyrene‐supported and homogeneous catalysts for the Baylis–Hillman reaction, we hypothesized that the hydrophobic envelopment of the imidazole catalytic sites of the former is responsible for the significantly better chemoselectivity exhibited by the heterogeneous catalysts compared to their homogeneous counterparts. In order to test this hypothesis, we prepared a series of branched/dendritic homogeneous catalysts, with an imidazole active site near the focal point and flexible tails of various lengths and polarities, capable of providing partial shielding of this site. The design of the catalysts was based on a 5‐hydroxyisophthalate scaffold, and they were prepared through a number of multistep synthetic pathways. The comparison of the catalysts under a variety of conditions in a model Baylis–Hillman reaction demonstrated that long hydrophobic tales enhance the chemoselectivity parameter of the catalysis, while reducing the rate of the consumption of the substrates, and that the chemoselectivity is further improved by the presence of a free phenolic moiety in the vicinity of the catalytic imidazole unit. Moreover, in second‐generation catalysts, the peripheral long tails could be either hydrophobic or polar, since the dendritic inner backbone itself presumably partially provides the necessary isolation of the catalytic site. Thus, experimental results support our hypothesis.magnified image
Supramolecular Activation of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Selective Sulfoxidation of Thioethers by a Self‐Assembled Hexameric Capsule
Authors: La Sorella Giorgio , Sperni Laura , Strukul Giorgio , Scarso Alessandro 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAn efficient metal‐free organocatalytic activation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) towards thioethers leading to the corresponding sulfoxides in high yields at room temperature within hours was promoted by the hexameric capsule formed by the self‐assembly of resorcin[4]arene units. The capsule plays a dual role of activating the oxidant through hydrogen bonding and favouring the oxidation reaction inside the cavity. Inactivation of the supramolecular organocatalyst was observed by using competitive ammonium guests, mimicking the inactivation of enzymes by competitive inhibitors.magnified image