Green Chemistry – Synthesis of N-phenylsuccinimide and N-phenylmaleimide

A microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) of N-phenylsuccinimide and N-phenylmaleimide are being developed for the second-semester organic teaching laboratory and research purposes. These compounds are in pesticides and these derivatives will be studied at Marshall University.  Utilizing this procedure, N-phenylsuccinimide and N-phenylmaleimides are envisioned to be synthesized by heating in a domestic microwave oven from four to ten minutes in moderate yields (approximately 40%-60%). This technique reduces the reaction time for the traditional synthesis of several hours, which allows the preparation to be achieved in a single organic chemistry laboratory period. This reaction is performed in the absence of solvent; therefore, it represents a ‘greener’ preparation than the traditional synthesis of N­-phenylsuccinimide and N-phenylmaleimide because it avoids the waste associated with using organic solvents.

Soil Chemistry – natural organics interacting with anthropogenic organic material

Another interest is continuing environmental research on organic material (humus) which soil comprises. The percent organic matter in soil and sediment varies greatly, typically ranging from one to ten percent of the total soil composition. Soil organic matter is a very important constituent of soil contributing to factors responsible for: ion exchange capacity, pH buffering capacity, maintenance of soil structure, adsorption of solar energy, immobilization of anthropogenic organic compounds (AOC), metal transport, and water-retention capacity. The organic matter also serves as an energy source or as energy storage for microorganisms, and as nutrients for vegetation. The environmental understanding and importance of soil organic matter interactions with anthropogenic organic compounds is vital to researchers. Creation of more environmental friendly materials and the disposal of toxic materials may be possible with the understanding of soil organic matter. Ultimately the understanding of soil organic matter interactions with anthropogenic organic compounds will help the farmer and researcher to properly use and dispose of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides on their fields so that these compounds will not contaminate the ground water supply and harm individuals.

I have studied the sorption of atrazine and 2,4-D to humin. I have also looked at the effect of removing different chemical components of the humin. This is done by Soxhlet extracting the humin which removes the lipids, bromination of the humin which removes the remaining organic matter, and by studying whole humin and whole soil. After removal of the components the sorption behavior of atrazine and 2,4-D are measured in an attempt to qualitatively measure each components effect on contaminant sorption.

I will continue to pursue modeling anthropogenic organic compound associations with humus, whole soils, and sediments. These interactions in the past have been attempted by researchers with some success, but there are inherent analytical problems in determining these interactions with a heterogenous material. Research in environmental issues has traditionally been strong for receiving research funds. It is very important to understand the binding interactions of anthropogenic organic compounds with soils as stated above.