Experimental and Computational Study on the Adsorption Mechanism of 2-Arylpropionic Acids on Graphene: Solvent Effects and Aromatic Features Affecting the Adsorption Performance

Electrochemical α-Arylation of Ketones via Anodic Oxidation of In Situ Generated Silyl Enol Ethers

An electrochemical procedure for the α-arylation of ketones has been developed. The method is based on the generation and one-pot anodic oxidation of silyl enol ethers in the presence of the arene. This strategy avoids isolation of the silyl enol intermediate and the utilization of external supporting electrolytes. Intermolecular arylations, which had not been reported so far, are possible when electron-rich arenes are utilized as coupling partners. The method has been demonstrated for a wide variety of aryl ketones and activated arenes, with moderate to good yields (up to 69%) obtained. Mechanistic insights and a theoretical rationale that explains the ketone α-arylation versus dimerization selectivity are also presented.

Toxicity and remediation of pharmaceuticals and pesticides using metal oxides and carbon nanomaterials

The worldwide development of agriculture and industry has resulted in contamination of water bodies by pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other xenobiotics. Even at trace levels of few micrograms per liter in waters, these contaminants induce public health and environmental issues, thus calling for efficient removal methods such as adsorption. Recent adsorption techniques for wastewater treatment involve metal oxide compounds, e.g. Fe2O3, ZnO, Al2O3 and ZnO-MgO, and carbon-based materials such as graphene oxide, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, and carbon/graphene quantum dots. Here, the small size of metal oxides and the presence various functional groups has allowed higher adsorption efficiencies. Moreover, carbon-based adsorbents exhibit unique properties such as high surface area, high porosity, easy functionalization, low price, and high surface reactivity. Here we review the cytotoxic effects of pharmaceutical drugs and pesticides in terms of human risk and ecotoxicology. We also present remediation techniques involving adsorption on metal oxides and carbon-based materials.

Computational insights into the sorption mechanism of environmental contaminants by carbon nanoparticles through molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory

Carbon nanomaterials like carbon nanotube, graphene or graphene oxide could significantly enhance contaminant sorption in aqueous solutions, offering a promising opportunity in water and air purification for removal of environmental contaminants.