Abstract: Formose reaction (FR) is of particular interest in prebiotic chemistry, as well as origin of life research, since it sets the grounds for non-biological chemical reactions producing sugar. In the formose process, which is based on the aldol condensation mechanism, low-carbon aldehyde molecules are transformed into polyol with higher carbon. Moreover, in an alkaline medium with a heterogeneous catalyst present, this process is sped up. This work assesses the efficiency of prebiotic synthesis of mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) via FR when fumed silica (Aerosil) catalyst was present in methanol polar solvent. Comparisons were then made with the same process in the presence of montmorillonite (MMT) as catalyst in water as solvent. The current study demonstrates that the amount of MGA production starts out low and gradually increases when Aerosil and MMT were used as mineral catalysts while methanol and water, respectively, functioned as solvents at pH values of 7.8 and 7.5. Generally speaking, the results indicated that if the target is to produce MEG, water is a better option as an excellent polar solvent in the FR. Consequently, outputs showed higher MEG production efficiency with FR when methanol and Aerosil rather than water when MMT were used as solvent and catalyst, respectively.Abstract: Formose reaction (FR) is of particular interest in prebiotic chemistry, as well as origin of life research, since it sets the grounds for non-biological chemical reactions producing sugar. In the formose process, which is based on the aldol condensation mechanism, low-carbon aldehyde molecules are transformed into polyol with higher carbon. Moreove...Show More
Abstract: Thermodynamics (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS) and kinetics (pseudo first, pseudo second) of phenol adsorption were investigated. Anchote peels (coconia Abysinica peels) was carbonized and activated by treating with KOH solution followed by heating in an electrical furnace at 800°C for 2 hrs. Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Phenol adsorption experiment were carried out as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration of the adsorbate, adsorbent dosage and temperature of the solution. Kinetic studies of the data showed that the adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔH, ΔS were investigated. The results showed that adsorption on the surface of APAC was feasible, spontaneous in nature, and exothermic. The experiments data were analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption. The results showed that the equilibrium data for phenol sorbent systems better fitted the Freundlich isotherm model. Infrared spectrum for unloaded and loaded adsorbent was obtained using FT-IR spectrophotometer. Maximum adsorption efficiencies of Phenol were 97% at optimum pH 6 and optimum contact time 210 min., adsorbent dose 0.25 g and initial conc. 0.025 mg/l respectively. Maximum adsorption capacity of APAC was observed to 43.75 mg/g of Phenol at 25°C and 5 mg/L. Therefore, Coconia Abysinica peels are potential low cost adsorbent for the removal of organic pollutant, Phenol from aqueous solution and polluted water.Abstract: Thermodynamics (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS) and kinetics (pseudo first, pseudo second) of phenol adsorption were investigated. Anchote peels (coconia Abysinica peels) was carbonized and activated by treating with KOH solution followed by heating in an electrical furnace at 800°C for 2 hrs. Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Phenol adsorption experiment were carried ou...Show More