Letter
Green SN2: A Novel Ionic Liquid-Mediated Finkelstein Reaction for Safer, Superior Alkyl Halide Synthesis in Undergraduate Organic Chemistry
Bello Makama*
,
Laurence Harwood
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
97-100
Received:
15 March 2025
Accepted:
27 March 2025
Published:
25 September 2025
Abstract: We present the development of a novel, environmentally friendly Finkelstein reaction conducted in ionic liquids, which provides a safer and more efficient alternative to the conventional halide exchange reaction employing sodium bromide in sulfuric acid. By leveraging the unique properties of ionic liquids—including high thermal stability, negligible vapor pressure, and tunable solvation characteristics—this new methodology enables an SN2 mechanism under significantly milder conditions, while achieving superior yields and selectivity. Comparative studies demonstrate that the ionic liquid-mediated process not only minimizes the generation of hazardous byproducts and corrosive waste but also enhances reaction reproducibility and efficiency. The improved safety profile and operational simplicity of this approach render it particularly suitable for incorporation into undergraduate organic chemistry curricula, where it serves as an effective pedagogical tool for illustrating SN2 kinetics, stereochemical inversion, and the principles of green chemistry. The reaction provides excellent yields (up to 93%) with high product purity, as confirmed by NMR and mass spectrometry. Additionally, the method is cost-effective due to the recyclability of ionic liquids and is scalable, offering advantages for both small-scale academic laboratories and larger-scale synthesis. Consequently, this synthetic strategy holds significant promise for broader adoption within the synthetic organic community.
Abstract: We present the development of a novel, environmentally friendly Finkelstein reaction conducted in ionic liquids, which provides a safer and more efficient alternative to the conventional halide exchange reaction employing sodium bromide in sulfuric acid. By leveraging the unique properties of ionic liquids—including high thermal stability, negligib...
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Research Article
Recycling Pineapple Leaf (Ananas Comosus) Agro-Waste as an Alternative Raw Material to Produce Eco-Friendly Paper
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
101-110
Received:
10 September 2025
Accepted:
19 September 2025
Published:
10 October 2025
Abstract: This study investigates the viability of recycling pineapple leaf agro-waste (PALF) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wood-based pulp for paper production in Sierra Leone. The research addresses the dual challenges of heavy reliance on imported paper products and the environmental problem of agricultural waste mismanagement. An experimental design was employed to compare two distinct pulping techniques: a chemical method using an 11% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution and a traditional method using a locally sourced wood ash lye solution. Fibers were extracted from pineapple leaves, converted into pulp, and then formed into handmade paper sheets. The physical and mechanical properties of the resulting papers, including thickness, water absorbency, writing quality, tensile strength, and tearing resistance, were systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the NaOH pulping method produced higher quality paper, exhibiting superior tensile strength (500 N/m breaking force), a smoother finish, and minimal ink feathering, making it suitable for writing and printing applications. In contrast, the wood ash lye method yielded a functional but lower-grade paper that was thicker, coarser, and possessed lower mechanical strength (410 N/m breaking force). The study concludes that pineapple leaf agro-waste is a highly promising non-wood fiber source for paper production. While the NaOH method is technically superior, the wood ash lye method presents a compelling, low-cost, and accessible alternative for small-scale, rural enterprises in resource-limited settings like Sierra Leone. This research demonstrates a practical model for waste valorization that aligns with circular economic principles, promoting environmental sustainability, green entrepreneurship, and import substitution. The study recommends scaling up production for pilot testing, optimizing chemical usage, and developing training programs to support local adoption of these sustainable technologies. This study, therefore, recommends that future researchers should explore optimal NaOH concentrations and environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce chemical use without compromising quality, and combining PALF pulp with other fibers (e.g., recycled paper, banana pseudo-stem pulp) could improve paper properties and reduce costs.
Abstract: This study investigates the viability of recycling pineapple leaf agro-waste (PALF) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wood-based pulp for paper production in Sierra Leone. The research addresses the dual challenges of heavy reliance on imported paper products and the environmental problem of agricultural waste mismanagement. An exper...
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Research Article
Effect of Rice Hull Ash on the Geopolymerization of a Kaolinite Clay from Togo
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
111-118
Received:
13 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajche.20251305.13
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Abstract: Geopolymers have recently emerged as a promising class of inorganic aluminosilicate polymer materials. They present a viable alternative to Portland cement, which is well known for its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. To support the reduction of these emissions, this study aims to develop geopolymer cements by investigating the impact of rice husk ash on the geopolymerization of local kaolinite clay using an alkaline solution. Rice husk ash (with a SiO2 content of 91.6%), obtained by calcining rice husks at 600°C, serves as a source of amorphous silica. The GP0 geopolymer material, derived from clay calcined at 750°C and activated with a 12N sodium hydroxide solution, exhibits a compressive strength of 9.9 MPa. This mechanical strength was enhanced by incorporating rice husk ash, which produces sodium silicate solutions as activators. The addition of 10% rice husk ash increased the compressive strength from 9.9 MPa to 15.9 MPa. The sodium silicate solution derived from the ash proved to be an effective alkaline activator in the geopolymer synthesis. Consequently, rice husk ash can potentially replace commercial sodium silicate solutions, contributing to the formulation of more eco-friendly materials. However, further research is needed to optimize the mechanical properties of these geopolymers.
Abstract: Geopolymers have recently emerged as a promising class of inorganic aluminosilicate polymer materials. They present a viable alternative to Portland cement, which is well known for its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. To support the reduction of these emissions, this study aims to develop geopolymer cements by investigating the...
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