Reaction & Synthesis

Making a desired product generally involves the transformation of raw materials via a chemical process. This typically occurs by reacting the materials or using another means to create the final product. Success in achieving such transformations more often than not requires sophisticated design and careful setting and control of operating conditions.

Articles

Courtesy of the researchers, edited by MIT News
MIT Conversion Process

MIT Electrode Boosts CO2 Conversion

Researchers say it’s the first work that has progressed into a much larger scale without sacrificing efficiency.
One-Pot Process Converts Aromatic Ketones to Aromatic Esters

One-Pot Process Converts Aromatic Ketones to Aromatic Esters

The one-pot process simplifies synthesis, reduces reaction times and minimizes the need for additional purification steps.
Argonne National Laboratory/ Max Delferro
Catalyst boosts conversion

Catalyst Boosts Conversion of Propane to Polypropylene

New catalyst breakthrough could mean cheaper, greener polypropylene production.
Feng Jiao
two-step system

Tandem Electrochemical Process Transforms CO2 into Acetate and Ethylene

Two-step electrochemical process uses a kW scale electrolyzer to convert carbon dioxide into high-quality multi-carbon products.

News

Hydrogen Activation Catalyst Harnesses Boron and Sodium

Hydrogen Activation Catalyst Harnesses Boron and Sodium

March 21, 2025
Researchers started with the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs, which are incredibly reactive and capable of activating bonds in normally stable molecules.
Ethylene Oxide: ‘Save A Lot of CO2 And A Lot of Money’

Ethylene Oxide: ‘Save A Lot of CO2 And A Lot of Money’

Feb. 21, 2025
Nickel-silver catalyst makes toxic chemical production safer, greener.
Jeff Fitlow/Rice University
The new micellar technology

Scientists Create Green Chemistry Reactor

Feb. 12, 2025
Collaborative study could help pharmaceutical and other industries avoid the need for toxic solvents.
Patented Prototype Uses Wind and Mesh to Make Ammonia

Patented Prototype Uses Wind and Mesh to Make Ammonia

Feb. 7, 2025
Green ammonia represents a new frontier in sustainability and could reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Credit: Caltech/Chungkeun Shin
Different stages of a chemical reaction with the samarium diiodide reagent.

Method Improves Nitrogen Fixation Processes, Drug Discoveries

Aug. 23, 2024
Researchers unlocked the samarium–oxygen bond that forms during the reactions and renders the chemical inactive.

Solar-Activated Catalysts Show Potential for Converting CO2 to Chemicals

June 3, 2024
University of Oldenburg researchers in Germany experiment with precious-metals-free catalysts to chemically activate CO2.

Researchers Discover Fungi-Derived Single-Atom Catalysts

May 13, 2024
Study demonstrates how biomass-derived SACs can catalyze the selective hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds.

Household Glue Accelerates Chemical Reaction Times

May 10, 2024
Researchers have found a way to increase reaction efficiency via fouling.