Nathalie Kardos

Ultrasound and ionic liquid: An efficient combination to tune the mechanism of alkenes epoxidation

In this proof of concept study, the advantageous properties of both H(2)O(2)/NaHCO(3)/imidazole/Mn(TPP)OAc oxidation system and MOPyrroNTf(2) ionic liquid have been combined under ultrasonic irradiation to give an exceptionally favorable environment for Mn(TPP)OAc catalyzed olefin oxidations. The results reveal the crucial role played by the ultrasonic irradiations that influence drastically the oxidation process. In MOPyrroNTf(2) and under ultrasonic irradiation, the mechanism probably involves an oxo-manganyl intermediate at the expense of the classical bicarbonate-activated peroxide route.

Swift and efficient sono-hydrolysis of nitriles to carboxylic acids under basic condition: role of the oxide anion radical in the hydrolysis mechanism.

Carboxylic acids are promising candidates for new sustainable strategies in organic synthesis. In this paper, we ascertain the potential of ultrasound for the hydrolysis of nitriles into carboxylic acids through the study of key parameters of the reaction: pH, hydrolysis medium, reaction time and activation technique. The positive influence of ultrasound under basic conditions is due to more than mechanical effects of cavitation. Indeed, the rate of hydrolysis is dramatically increased under sonication in NaOH solutions. A radical mechanism involving the oxide anion radical O(*-) is proposed.