A new approach to the sensible use of carbon dioxide from car exhaust gases

Using impure CO₂ from car exhaust, the team of Prof. Dr. Shoubik Das, Chair of Organic Chemistry I at the University of Bayreuth, presents a cost-effective synthetic route for γ-lactams. γ-Lactam is an organic chemical compound, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This means that CO₂, which is frequently produced anyway, can be put to good use. Valuable chemicals and pharmaceuticals can be combined with this CO₂. The paper is published in the journal Nature Communications.

The paper, "Straightforward synthesis of functionalized γ-Lactams using impure CO₂ stream as the carbon source," discusses a new method for using CO₂, a common greenhouse gas, in the synthesis of valuable chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

"Traditional approaches have focused on using pure CO₂ gas, but we propose a novel idea that utilizes impure CO₂ streams, such as those from industrial flue gas or car exhaust gas," explains Prof. Dr. Shoubik Das, Chair of Organic Chemistry I at the University of Bayreuth.

"The main motivation behind this approach is to reduce the air pollution caused by the accumulation of CO₂ and the cost and energy associated with the purification of CO₂."

The paper introduces a specific application of this method for producing γ-lactams, which are essential components in various natural products and pharmaceuticals.

"We aim to streamline the synthesis of γ-lactams from readily available materials, like amines and alkenes, while using impure CO₂ as a carbon source," says Das.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to provide a more straightforward and sustainable way to produce valuable compounds from waste such as CO₂. The authors emphasize the environmental and economic benefits of their approach, making it a noteworthy contribution to the field of CO₂ utilization in chemical synthesis.

With this new approach, Prof Das and his team want to develop a sustainable strategy to reduce global warming and air pollution caused by CO₂. The Bayreuth scientists Yuman Qin, Suman Pradhan, Rakesh Maitin and Shoubhik Das are hoping for three effects:

• Environmental impact: by using impure CO₂ streams, the process offers a more environmentally friendly way to use exhaust gases, contributing to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Cost efficiency: The approach aims to minimize the costs associated with the purification of CO₂, which could make the synthesis of important chemicals and drugs more cost-effective in the long term.

• Pharmaceutical development: The specific application of this method to produce γ-lactams, essential components of pharmaceuticals, suggests a simpler and more sustainable route to drug synthesis. This could have a downstream impact on the pharmaceutical industry and potentially lead to more accessible and affordable medicines.

This could benefit the chemical industry, environmental sciences and drug research. "A method has been discovered that uses impure CO₂ streams and enables a breakthrough in the synthesis of valuable chemicals and pharmaceuticals," says Prof. Das.