Japanese scientists from Osaka University have found a way to turn so-called “permanent chemicals” (PFAS) into valuable raw materials for the chemical industry. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine ACS Publications.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemical compounds used in the production of cookware, food containers, clothing, and other items. They provide heat, water and oil resistant properties to the items. There are more than 10 thousand different PFAS today. These compounds are very stable, almost indegradable and can accumulate in soil, water and the human body, which is why they are called “eternal”.
The research team was able to convert toxic perfluoroalkenes, members of the PFAS family and used as monomers in the synthesis of Teflon, into N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC). The synthesis of NHC was possible by simply removing two fluorine atoms from 1,2-difluoroalkene derivatives.
Scientists noted that the method, in addition to neutralizing harmful compounds, makes it possible to use the resulting NHCs in various branches of the chemical industry, including organometallic chemistry, catalysis chemistry and the production of various materials.
Previous scientists I learnedWhich of the “infinite chemicals” can cause thyroid cancer?