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Team:Leicester/Chemistry
From 2012.igem.org
Chemistry
N:B Possible side reactions will be taken into account as will a written safety and hazard sheet for the chemicals used, reactants and products upon confirmation of all mechanisms.
Mechanism 1
The first mechanism shows the conversion of styrene (monomer of polystyrene) to lactic acid which can be converted to polylactic acid and further degraded in the environment easily. This mechanism involves the use of harsh and dangerous chemicals. The first step shows that benzyne is formed which is a carcinogen. It can be reduced to benzene and disposed of easily.
Mechanism 2
The second mechanism shows that as polystyrene is heated up, the intermolecular forces weaken and with the added fact that benzene can undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution; it is treated with nitric acid to afford a new compound that contains a new NO2 side group. The final product of this reaction is a benzene ring with an alcohol side group. We are still researching into practical uses and possible further reactions.
Mechanism 3
This is an alternative mechanism to that proposed in mechanism 2. Instead of placing an OH side group, a bromine group is added. Ultimately the formation of an acid anhydride chain is formed which is degradable in the environment. The hydrocarbon chain would need to be both weakened and then broken so as to afford pure anhydride monomers. Current research is onto this idea.
Mechanism 4
This final mechanism draws on the peroxyl product formation. Organic peroxyls are used in many chemical reactions in industry so it may be possible that this organic peroxyl will have a use in the near future. Research is being done into this route.
