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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S25227/01
Title: Supercritical CO2: A Cleaner, Safer Approach to Oxidation of Organic Compounds
Principal Investigator: Poliakoff, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Lester, Professor E
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Johnson Matthey Thomas Swan
Department: Sch of Chemistry
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Faraday (PreFEC)
Starts: 01 August 2003 Ends: 31 July 2005 Value (£): 129,866
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Catalysis & Applied Catalysis Chemical Synthetic Methodology
Gas & Solution Phase Reactions Waste Minimisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals Environment
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project is aimed at developing new, clean and selective oxidation processes in supercritical C02 (S0002). S0002 is attractive as a solvent for oxidation chemistry since it is fully oxidised. By using air, 02 or H202 as the oxidant, we have the basis for an atom efficient and safe oxidation process. The key to selective oxidation lies in using the appropriate catalysts. There are encouraging precedents in the literature which suggest that such processes will be successful in s0002. In this project, we propose to combine Nottingham's expertise in continuous supercritical reactions, Thomas Swan's experience in supercritical scale-up and Johnson Matthey's range of supported oxidation catalysts. The initial target will be oxidation of alcohols using Platinum, Palladium and Ruthenium based catalysts. The project will then move on to a more ambitious and more speculative idea, namely combining two processes, hydroxylation of alkenes followed by desymmetrisation of the resulting diol by acid catalysed etherification. The project is both adventurous and high risk, making it appropriate for EPSRC funding. However, if successful, the resulting processes will be both safer and cleaner than existing routes to this chemistry. The project builds on a highly productive collaboration between Nottingham and Thomas Swan & Co, who will provide additional engineering expertise and evaluate the process in terms of both economic and environmental costs.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk