Faculty Advisor
Kyle A. Grice
Abstract
Two pyridinediimine (PDI) ligands were synthesized using green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact and maintain synthetic efficiency. Previous syntheses require hazardous solvents and long reaction times. The reaction was carried out with a safer solvent, ethanol, and more rapidly using a CEM Discover microwave reactor. The PDI ligand was chosen for the scaffold for the aromatic core and support for different aniline derivatives. Comparative investigation of aniline electronics showed that 2,6-dimethylaniline was more successful than the electron-withdrawing electronics of 2,6-dichloroaniline. Synthesized complexes were characterized with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The environmentally conscious microwave reaction produced effective and reproducible outcomes and promoted safer laboratory practices.
Recommended Citation
Leonhardt, Gabrielle E.; Holjes, Abbigale S.; and Grice, Kyle A.
(2026)
"Greener Synthesis of PDI Ligands Using a Microwave Reactor,"
DePaul Discoveries: Volume 15, Article 6.
Available at:
https://via.library.depaul.edu/depaul-disc/vol15/iss1/6