Issue 1, February 2015 IMPERIAL 10 74 16 Editor: Rex Manurung Article contributors: Maria Tor- CHEMISTRY telli and Patricia Poths. The Department of Ne W S Chemistry Newsletter Photo contributors: Nathaniel 20.180 183.84 32.065 Gallop and Andrew McKinley.
A WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT Welcome to the first issue of the new Chemistry Department news- letter! Thanks to Rex and the team for bringing together an intriguing compilation of what’s going on in Chemistry, ranging from academic news through to info on the exciting series of inspiring talks and social events organised by ChemSoc. We’d like to make this a regular production, so please do send any news, gossip or ideas for Department-related features through to the ChemSoc committee. Enjoy, and congratulations to every-
Prof. Alan Armstrong one featured! IN THIS ISSUE: TOM’S WALK OF FLAME AND ALI’S BUNGEE In the Department JUMP: TOM AND ALI DO RAG! Pages 2-4 HIGH IMPACT PUBLICA- TIONS PRIZES AND AWARDS FELLOWSHIPS/GRANTS
FoNS/INSTITUTE EVENTS Chemistry’s very own Prof. Tom Welton and Dr. Ali Salehi- Left: Tom walking over em- MAJOR PLENARY/ Reyhani took part in fundraising events during RAG week . bers burning at around 500 KEYNOTE TALKS Ali did the bungee jump on 10th February and Tom braved oC. Almost there…. the fire walk on the 12th February. So far, Tom has raised Right: Tom finishes the Fire OTHER NEWS £968 and still going. Well done to both Ali and Tom! Walk! OUTSIDE-DEPARTMENT ANTHONY MARCHANT JOINS THE EVENTS CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT! The Department welcomes Anthony ChemSoc Marchant, who will be the new Faculty Safety Officer. Anthony is situated in the Pages 5-9 Chemistry Building, Office 242. CHEMSOC QUIZ NIGHT Anthony was previously at the University of 2014 Surrey, where he was a Teaching and Re- search Technician in the Chemistry depart- DEPARTMENT OF CHEM- ment, focusing on supporting analytical in- ISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY strumentation. He holds a Biochemistry de- 2014 gree and an MSc in Toxicology.
SEMINAR SERIES We look forward to Anthony’s help and assistance in keeping the Department safe! Welcome to the Department , Anthony!
ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 2 |In the Department HIGH IMPACT PUBLICATIONS A paper featuring Prof. Tom Welton and Dr. Jason Hallett as "Ionic liquids: not always innocent solvents for cellulose" is co-authors is the 4th most downloaded article of 2014 in a “Hot” article “Green Chemistry”.
Prof. Tom Welton, Dr. Patricia Hunt PRIZES AND AWARDS and their team, had a 'Hot' article Ben Sturgeon Lectureship highlighted in Green Chemistry enti- Prof. John Seddon was awarded the 2015 Ben Sturgeon Lec- tled "Ionic liquids: not always inno- tureship of the British Liquid Crystal Society. cent solvents for cellulose" - it was also featured on the front cover. MRS (Materials Research Society) Prizes Jess Shaw, a 3Rd year PhD in the Heeney group wins pres- Left: Front cover of Green Chemistry tigious Material Research Society (MRS) best presentation featuring the article by Prof. Wel- prize for her talk at the 2014 MRS Conference Symposium Q ton, Dr. Hunt et al. entitled ‘An Effective Strategy for Improving the Charge Carri- Nature Communications paper “Dip-pen patterning of poly er Mobility of n-type Polymers: Branch Point Manipulation’. (9,9-dioctylfluorene) chain-conformation-based nano- photonic elements” features on the College website Pierre Boufflet, a 3Rd year PhD in the Heeney group wins MRS poster prize at the 2014 MRS Conference for his work Dr. Sanjiv Sharma and Prof. entitled ‘The influence of backbone fluorination on polythio- Tony Cass are part of the phene properties’. team whose Nature Com- Both were recently presented with their awards. munications paper “Dip- pen patterning of poly(9,9- FELLOWSHIPS/GRANTS dioctylfluorene) chain- Congratulations to Dr. Kim Jelfs on the award of her EPRSC conformation-based nano- First Grant on “Evolutionary property prediction for molecu- photonic elements” was lar materials” featured on the College Above: Confocal PL image of a PI Dr. Laura Barter & Co-Is: Dr. Oscar Ces, Dr. Nick Brooks, website. DPN patterned β-phase stripe Dr. Rudiger Woscholski and Prof. Nick Long were awarded a element. Pathway to Impact award for work entitled “CO2 delivery device for crop plants, designed to increase photosynthetic Heeney group paper “Polythiophenes with vinylene linked yields for increased food and fuel production”. ortho, meta and para-carborane sidechains” is in the “top 20 most downloaded articles” from Polymer Chemistry Dr. Andrew Ashley has been awarded £19,952 from the Fac- ulty Strategic Research Fund in support of his proposal enti- An article entitled tled ‘Energy Efficient Catalytic Hydrogenation of Nitrogen to ‘Polythiophenes with Ammonia: Sustainably Feeding Our Future.’ vinylene linked ortho, meta and para-carborane Six Marie Curie Fellowships have been awarded with vari- sidechains’ by the group ous start dates (sponsors Prof. Ed Tate, Prof. Tom Welton, of Prof. Martin Heeney Prof. Martin Heeney, Dr. Joshua Edel, Prof. James Durrant Above: Energy minimised struc- was one of the top 20 and Dr. Mark Crimmin). tures of polythiophenes with car- most downloaded in Pol- borane side-chains. Prof. Anthony Kucernak was awarded an EPSRC UK-Korea ymer Chemistry. collaborative grant with colleagues at UCL and Loughbor- Article entitled “Deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass ough, on Innovative concepts from Electrodes to Stacks. with ionic liquids” one of most downloaded from Green Chemistry FoNS/INSTITUTE EVENTS
Left: Figure Sainsbury’s Farming Scholarship Programme illustrating uses In partnership with Sainsbury’s, Dr. Laura Barter and Dr. of products Rudiger Woscholski have created the Sainsbury’s Farming from lignocellu- Scholarship programme. This was launched at the Sains- losic biomass bury’s Farming conference in December. One of the aims of deconstruction. ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 3 |In the Department this programme is to create links between Imperial Academ- Winners Seminar showcasing the four chemistry staff who ics and end users (Farmers) to drive new research ideas. won prestigious RSC Awards in 2014 (Dr. Matt Fuchter, Prof. CDT Den Iain McCulloch, Prof. Milo Shaffer & Prof. Ed Tate). The Centre for Doctoral Training in the Institute of Chemi- MAJOR PLENARY/KEYNOTE TALKS cal Biology hosted the 'CDT Den' the Dragons’ Den-style event where doctoral students pitched their business ideas Chemistry Biology Interface Division Council Talk to a panel of judges. Dr. Laura Barter gave a talk to the Chemistry Biology Inter- face Division Council on Wednesday 21 January about the The final included four teams, from an initial cohort of 17, Plant Chemical Biology Research and the AGRI-net Landscape who pitched their ideas to the judging panel of Prof. James Document. Stirling, Prof. Jackie Hunter, Chief Executive of BBSRC; Dr Royal Society of Chemistry /IISERB [Bhopal] Symposium Alison Wall, Associate Director, Impact at EPSRC; and Paul Atherton, founder of Nexeon - a company specialising in On 3rd February Prof. David Phillips opened a joint Royal So- lithium-ion battery technology. ciety of Chemistry /IISERB [Bhopal] Symposium and delivered a keynote lecture 'Towards Targeted Photodynamic Therapy'. On 5th February he then opened the 9th CRSI/RSC Symposi- um, and later that afternoon delivered a keynote lecture in the Chemical Education Programme, entitled 'Light Relief' OTHER NEWS Outreach at the Linnean Society of London
The country’s best-known glassblower, Chemistry’s Steve Ramsey, was recently at the Linnean Society of London demonstrating the techniques used to make models of sea creatures that were displayed in natural history museums across the world. 175 Faces of Chemistry
Prof. Tom Welton was made one of the Royal Society of Above: Winners Angela de Manzanos and Kerry O’Donelly Chemistry’s “175 Faces of Chemistry”, celebrating diversity in Weaver. Photo from CDT website. science with a feature on the RSC website. The RSC said “ The winning team was ‘FungiAlert’ whose members Kerry aeroplanes of inspiration, not only is Tom gay and grew up in O'Donnelly Weaver and Angela de Manzanos have creat- a council estate but uses his leadership role to promote inclu- ed a device for the early detection of plant pathogens in sion into the chemical sciences”. fields, which could help tackle global crop loss. As well as the cash prize of £20,000 provided by Imperial Innovations, the team will also receive entrepreneurial training and sup- port from them as they further develop their idea.
Other inventions presented included ‘Fat Filter U Bend’, a U-bend designed to remove fats and oils from pipes; ‘D- Vulch Tech’, a chemical process to de-vulcanise used rub- ber tyres and ‘Invisicat’, a pheromone based mouse repel- lent.
RSC related events Imperial Business Partners Dinner Dr. Silvia Díez-González & Dr. Matt Fuchter organised the Prof. John de Mello and Dr. Bridgette Duncombe attended RSC regional meeting for the Organic Division hosted at Im- the Imperial Business Partners dinner on 3 February, John perial with 120 in attendance. represented the Department and Bridge the Education Strat- Dr. Silvia Díez-González organised the Imperial RSC Award egy working party which she leads and whose aim is to refine
ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 4 |In the Department and embed graduate attributes to enable students to demon- OUTSIDE-DEPARTMENT EVENTS strate their achievements. Imperial College Malaysian Night Congratulations!
Congratulations to:
Dr. James Wilton Ely and his wife on the birth of their new baby in December 2014!
Dr. Kevin Lovelock and his wife on the birth of their baby, Beth, weighing in at 6.12lbs, on 21st January! Wern, a 1st year Chemist is performing in a drama titled Dr. Rob Davies and his wife on the birth of their baby girl “Masked” as part of Imperial College Union Malaysian socie- Grace, weighing in at 5 lb 15 oz, during the early hours of ty’s annual show on March 7th and 8th. In addition to fine st Saturday 31 January! quality entertainment there will also be refreshments , Dr. Tim Albrecht and his wife on the birth of their new baby providing attendees with a chance to experience a taste of in February this year! Malaysia's famous and exquisite food. To get a taste of what Masked is all about the trailer can be seen here . You can join the event and access the ticket pur- Dr. Bridgette Duncombe appears on Imperial Questions Live chase link via the Facebook page.
Imperial’s Got Talent
Above: IQL panel with Dr. Bridgette Duncombe and Oliver Benton (A.C.C. Chair) Dr. Bridgette Duncombe and final year Chemist Oliver Ben- ton were on the panel of an ICU production “Imperial Ques- tions Live” – a one off somewhat similar to the format of Question Time on TV.
Key topics addressed in the show were the representation of Prepare yourselves for ICU Save the Children's headline event the student voice at Imperial College, closure of Weeks Hall, - Imperial’s got Talent! The university’s BIGGEST inter-society College measures for supporting teaching and the Union en- talent competition. Last year we showcased a stunning dis- try charge on Wednesdays. You can view the restream of this play of belly dancing, hula hooping and body-popping, and broadcast of Imperial Questions Live on YouTube . celebrated the CGCU President’s band as winners!
This year the lineup is even bigger and better, making the ICT updates competition so much fiercer! With the exciting addition of 3 celebrity guest judges, who knows who will take home the ICT have agreed to an upgrade of the Chemistry Cluster com- champion’s title? Brace yourself for an evening of extraordi- puters as a part of their ongoing programme of renewal and nary talent, laughter and fun! Come along to the Great Hall upgrade. In rooms 135 and 225 the old monitors will be re- on Tuesday 17th March, you do not want to miss this! placed by new 23” screens. This will start with the machines
in room 135 during the summer vacation. Get your tickets NOW from http://imperialsgottalent.com/. ALL proceeds will go to Save the Children.
ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 5 |ChemSoc CHEMSOC QUIZ NIGHT 2014 ChemSoc’s quiz night on 13th November cluded general knowledge, artists, team Quiztallography in which they com- 2014 had an impressive turnout with sports, historic leaders and monarchs, peted to answer one final question on over 8 teams participating, including the with music and taster rounds. the topic of artists. The night ended with staff team consisting of Dr. Laura Patel Charlie and his team coming out being The 1st place winner was decided with a and Dr. Andrew McKinley! the 1st place winners. A big thank you to face off between Phil Morris of team all those who attended. Topics covered in the quiz questions in- Quiztal Meth and Charlie Crossland of
Team Quiztallography won 1st place! Team Team Quiztal Meth came 2nd Team NaHBrO managed to come 3rd members pictured above from left to right: Oli- place. Team members pictured place . Team members pictured above ver Robotham, Daniel Spencer, Sanjana Dutia, above are Phil Brookin (left) and from left to right: Arash Mojadnesalla, Charlie Crossland, Jacques Smith, Sophie Hyer Phil Morris (right). Markus Altesmair, Janet Peet, Max and Joshua Sapsford. Moser, Jeroen Sap and Adam Mohan.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2014 On 15th December 2014 the Department guests comprising of staff, undergradu- and then Prof. Henry Rzepa, whose of Chemistry and ChemSoc held its an- ate and postgraduate members of the speech offered warm words to the audi- nual Christmas Dinner Party at the Mille- Chemistry Department. ence as well as broaching the subject of nium Hotel, Gloucester Road. The event “toilet humour”. The night featured speeches from Chem- was well attended with around 250 Soc president Nas, Prof. Alan Armstrong, Below are some photos from the night:
ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 6 |ChemSoc CHEMSOC SEMINAR SERIES Standing up for Science: from serums to theorems, from cryptology to cosmolo- gy, from The Simpsons to Futurama: A Talk by Dr. Simon Singh
Article by Patricia Poths Photo credit: Nathaniel Gallop
Simon Singh’s talk on the 9th October 2014 had an impressive turnout of Chemistry students, with the occasional Physics student here and there. Simon Simon Singh lectures Huge turnout! started off extremely enthusiastically, a question about how one might combat ing on The Simpsons and Futurama, a recounting his time at Imperial, and his the reporting of bad science by stating result of most of the writers for the two first years working at CERN, before ex- that it is vital that one should challenge shows being mathematicians. After high- plaining his decision to switch to science bad science or pseudoscience. He recom- lighting two or three examples of math journalism. At this point, he stressed the mended writing to the newspaper in on both The Simpsons and Futurama, fact wide range of future career opportu- which such an article is published, or ranging from Euler’s Identity to a calcula- nities for graduates with a science de- calling up a network to lodge a complaint tion of the mass of the Higgs boson to an gree, and mentioned that there are more about the issue, and stressed the im- incredibly subtle joke involving binary. possibilities that simply research and portance of remaining engaged, and in- Finally Simon returned to science jour- development. Simon then briefly men- formed of the facts of the matter. nalism, and advised that writing about tioned his experience as a science jour- science is the best practice for becoming From there Simon moved back to his nalist, and brought up the issues of “bad a science journalist, be it writing a blog other books and projects, showing a clip science”. At this point he moved on to post or for a student newspaper. With of the opening of his documentary about his book “Trick or Treatment: Alternative this he concluded, and received a well- the notorious Fermat’s Last Theorem, Medicine on Trial”, written with Edzard earned resounding round of applause. and joking that while many people are Ernst, and discussed homeopathy from a During the reception afterwards, he min- brought to tears by mathematics, these scientific viewpoint. The talk was then gled with the attendees, many carrying a mathematician’s tears were brought on redirected to chiropractic, and the libel brand-new signed copy of “The Simpsons by the joy of having completed such a lawsuit in 2008 that Simon was forced to and their Mathematical Secrets,” dis- complicated proof. He continued along deal with after writing critical article on pensing further advice about science the vein of mathematics, briefly men- the topic. Returning to bad science, he journalism and pursuit of future careers. tioning his book “Fermat’s Last Theo- mentioned an amusing anecdote about His talk, ranging from combating “bad rem” before settling on “The Simpsons the singer Katie Melua, and her song science” to a discussion of libel laws and and their Mathematical Secrets,” his lat- “Nine Million Bicycles,” regarding her the work of a science journalist was ex- est book. Here Simon describes the astronomically inaccurate lyrics. Continu- tremely well received by all, and offered astounding level of math found in pass- ing on a more serious note, he answered true inspiration to many students.
Simon mingling with students. Committee members photo with Simon. ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 7 |ChemSoc Professor Tom Welton Seminar Series product. Summarising this discussion, Welton described was the nucleophilic Lecture Prof. Welton said that sustainable chem- HCl process, which used HCl dissolved in istry thus leads to economic sustainabil- an ionic liquid as a chlorination agent, Article by Patricia Poths ity and interest in optimising industrial thus replacing more dangerous reagents On 6th November 2014, Professor Tom processes for sustainability can lead to such as phosgene. Furthermore, he dis- Welton delivered a lecture for Chem- more innovation. Furthermore, Prof. cussed BASF’s Verbunde philosophy Soc’s seminar series covering his diverse Welton stressed the importance of in- which encourages the use of waste prod- career and topics within sustainable dustry led sustainable innovation in in- ucts from one process as raw materials chemistry and research on ionic liquids. creasing the availability of cheap “green” for other processes and, interestingly, Prof. Welton began the talk by broaching products and not to rely on changing highlights how HCl, produced from TM the problem of pollution and waste due consumer habits to promote the con- BASIL , can be used for the nucleophilic to the chemical industry. Setting the con- sumption of products obtained via sus- HCL process. Moving on to other aspects text of the discussion, Prof. Welton out- tainable methods. of green chemistry, Prof. Welton then briefly talked about the development of lined the importance of soap which he The talk then focused on role of ionic solid acid catalysts and his criticisms of said was a lifesaving and often under liquids in improving the sustainability of knowledge transfer, arguing that dissem- exported commodity, particularly for chemical processes. Ionic liquids, com- inating knowledge through the move- regions such as Africa. Prof. Welton then pared to conventional organic solvents, ment of people is more effective than delved into the details of historic soap are less volatile and can be “designed” to through publications. production process, focusing on the Le- be optimal for a chemical process. To Blanc and Solvay Process, and comparing start with, Prof. Welton described the Prof. Welton then moved on to talk them in terms of their sustainability. The first example of a major process incorpo- about his background and the highlights LeBlanc process, Prof. Welton pointed rating ionic liquids, the BASILTM (Biphasic of his present career. Prof. Welton first out, had one major drawback; its main Acid Scavenging using Ionic Liquids) pro- brought up his family and recalled his by-product was HCl, which was disposed cess devised by BASF, which was original- school days. From there, he shared his of by releasing its vapour into the atmos- ly used for the production of alkoxy- experience of applying for university and phere. Such pollution caused acid rain phenylphosphines. The main by-product of studying at the University of Sussex, which deteriorated working and living of the process was HCl which was scav- mentioning that he was tutored by Dr. conditions for employees of such plants, enged by triethylamine in the original Harry Kroto, who then was yet to be a and more importantly, could affect near- method; however the highly viscous slur- Nobel Laureate. Following this, he de- by cities if the acidic vapour travelled far ry resulting from ammonium salt for- scribed his experiences of being a re- enough, potentially damaging agricultur- mation was difficult to handle. Replacing searcher and his major achievements al production. As a result, the LeBlanc triethylamine with an imidazole, which which included authoring one of the process eventually went into decline and gave an ionic liquid on reacting with HCl, most cited papers from Imperial College was replaced by the Solvay process, enabled facile phase separation of the with 8000+ citations. On this note, Prof. which was chemically less consuming alkoxyphenylphosphine product from Welton ended the lecture, receiving a and generated road salt, a commercially the ionic liquid by-product. Another BASF round of applause from the audience. valuable substance, as the main by- process employing ionic liquids Prof.
Climate Change- the Wicked Problem: Dr. Gabrielle Walker Seminar
Article by Patricia Poths Photo credit: Nathaniel Gallop
On Thursday, the 20th November 2014, Dr. Gabrielle Walker visited Imperial to give a seminar titled “Climate Change- the Wicked Problem.” Dr. Walker began by mentioning a bit of her personal his- tory and stated that her main motivation for first studying chemistry was that she had always wished to do science at the Dr. Gabrielle Walker lectures ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 8 |ChemSoc boundaries of fields, and focus on the increased use of fossil fuel of human develop in order to provide their popula- interconnecting areas. This led quite civilization, thus indicating that human tion with a decent quality of life. First- naturally, she said, to climate change, an activity has had a distinct impact on the world countries, however, that have the issue that stretches past much more climate. highest standard of living also have the than just science, encompassing politics, highest carbon footprint, indicating that Antarctica demonstrates more than just and even economics. Thus, climate those countries that attempt to develop how the chemical composition of the change is very ‘wicked’ as it is so far- in their image will do nothing but com- atmosphere has changed. The melting reaching, it is difficult to devise a solution pound the problem, ultimately destroy- and shattering of Antarctic ice sheets to encompass everything, and for an ing our chances of a sustainable lifestyle. provides extremely convincing physical area that transcends the barriers be- proof of climate change. While melting Dr. Walker stressed the importance of tween various fields. ice shelves will not raise the sea level, as finding a way to grow that is sustainable. At this point Dr. Walker took a step back, they are already floating on water, ice Full knowledge of the problem is im- and showed an image of the night sky, melting on land, which can flow to the portant; many people who take part in and related this to how to view the prob- sea, potentially will. Currently, the sea climate change protests seem unaware lem. When observing the night sky in all level increase is predicted to rise as of how pervasive the use of fossil fuels its glory, one does not tend to focus on a much as 2m, more if an as-yet poorly are in their daily lives, and do not actual- single area in particular, but rather en- investigated sheet of ice in Antarctica ly help the planet as much as they think joys observing it as a whole. This princi- melts, as it seems likely to. Importantly, they do. ple must be applied to climate change Dr. Walker mentioned, that natural activ- Dr. Walker highlighted these protests as for true solutions to be found. The prob- ity can influence the climate as well. So- part of one main social problem related lem of climate change must be ap- lar activity and volcanoes, among other to climate change: the polarized view of proached through all angles, not merely natural events can influence the level of it. This makes the problem worse, as it through a single aspect or through one greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leads to politicians not being able to single angle. Many people’s problem and cause slight increases in global tem- affect change in policies that would limit with climate change, however, is that perature. However, models show that the damage. Dr. Walker stressed that they do not feel the importance of cli- the increase in temperature in the last this has to change; polarizing the issue mate change. century cannot be attributed to natural has only made it harder to solve. Nowa- Dr. Walker brought up her various trips factors and, as such, must be a result of days we have to work in a grey area, by to Antarctica at this point, stating that human activity. saving our planet while keeping options Antarctica is such an alien place, and that for future growth open. Dr. Walker then moved onto the effects it is a neutral place, as no one holds any of climate change; everything from acidi- Dr. Walker ended with an appeal to the claims on an area of land there. It is fying of oceans, to reducing food produc- generation of the current university stu- there where research on climate change tion, to the rising sea levels, as well as dents. We are the ones who will have to can take place, as the extremely thick changes in the weather. Her point here deal with these issues. These issues may layers of ice contain remnants of atmos- is that the outcome of climate change, at seem insurmountable, however our gen- pheres past, allowing us to compare the the rate we are going, will have devas- eration should have the background to present atmosphere to atmospheres as tating effects by the end of the century. be able to deal with this “wicked prob- far as 800,000 years ago through exam- Targets for reducing carbon dioxide lem,” and face it from every angle to ining the chemical composition of the emission were set, and they have not minimize the damage of the past. It will bubbles in the ice. Based on this chemi- been met as yet. These next couple of not be possible to stop the warming in its cal analysis we know that the atmos- years are the ones in which we need to tracks, however this generation will be phere has changed; carbon dioxide, me- make drastic changes, if it is not already the one to follow what the UN has said thane and nitrous oxide content has fluc- too late. about climate change, which is to tuated over time, however in the last “manage the unavoidable, and avoid the century or so the content has increased Growth is still important for economies; unmanageable.” far beyond any previous natural in- there are many third-world countries crease. This increase correlated with the with low standards of living that need to
ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS 9 |ChemSoc A talk by Sir Professor Poliakoff: Old Solvents: New Solutions?
Article by Patricia Poths Photo credit: Dr. Andrew McKinley and Nathaniel Gallop
On the 22nd of January, Imperial College London heartily welcomed Sir Professor Martyn Poliakoff of YouTube renown for a talk about the use of solvents for Green Chemistry. Sir Prof. Poliakoff presented his work in the field of green solvents, well-mixed with hilarious quips, laugh- out-loud anecdotes, and witty observa- tions, clearly showcasing his fantastic Sir Prof. Poliakoffen gages the audience speaking skills, the secret to the success of his videos. Chemistry- that the reaction take place these products are very important, and it Over the course of the talk, Sir Prof. at ambient temperatures at pressures, or is vital that we discover and implement a Poliakoff focused on two main solvent at least not at such high pressures that sustainable mode of producing them. systems. He started off by describing could create a health hazard. Levulinic acid is a precursor to many pharmaceutical compounds, methacrylic supercritical fluids as a solution, and The second solvent system that Sir Prof. acid is used to produce Perspex, and their utility in various reactions, and how Poliakoff discussed was that of the appli- artemisinin is an anti-malarial drug. The they could be used in, say, continuous cation of old “traditional” solvents to research group of Sir Prof. Poliakoff has hydrogenation. Both the pros and the new reactions in order to optimize them. managed to find more sustainable syn- cons of the system were discussed, along Examples of these solvents would be thesis routes for all of these reactions with the chemical specifics of the reac- ethanol, or the ubiquitous use of water using “old” solvents, clearly showing that tions that could take place. In the end, as a solvent. To demonstrate the useful- old doesn’t necessarily mean no longer supercritical fluid solvents work well, ness of these solvents, Sir Prof. Poliakoff relevant. even when scaled up to an industrial covered three reactions done by his re- level, however there are two serious search team that he found could be opti- Sir Prof. Poliakoff ended his talk with concerns that keep them from being mized and made more sustainable with special thanks to all contributors to his implemented. The first is that they are the use of “traditional” solvents. These research, especially including his re- not economically viable, and the second were the hydrogenation of Levulinic acid, search group, whom he was happy to is that high pressures must be imple- the production of methacrylic acid from show off to all those gathered in the mented, which drives up the cost, as a biomass, and the production of artemis- crowded lecture theater. A very honor- lot of energy has to be used, as well as inin via a semi-synthetic route. All of ary mention was given to his lab techni- violating one of the principles of Green cians, as good technicians are appar- ently a rare and valuable commodity in the scientific community. Finally, he fielded a few questions about tech- nical aspects of his work as well as economic questions, and emphatically held forth about why sustainability is more important than developing means by which to exploit resources from outer space. Ultimately, he con- cluded by saying that Green Chemis- try can be boiled down to the “Robin Hood question”: how can we give to “Could we please get a presidential photo?” Sir Prof. the poor without stealing from the Poliakoff prior to having this photo taken . Committee photo with Sir Prof. Poliakoff! rich?
ISSUE 1, MARCH 2015 |IMP. CHEM. NEWS