Chemists Developing New Recipe for Creating Ether Compounds
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 - 00:30
in Physics & Chemistry
Once used as surgical anesthetics, ether compounds are used as fuel additives and as components of pharmaceutical drugs, polymers and other synthetic materials. University of Nebraska-Lincoln chemist Patrick Dussault is exploring a method to create ethers by combining organic peroxides and carbanions. Preliminary results indicate the peroxide to ether conversion can be developed into a reliable and high-yielding reaction. Dussault also will create a website resource for safe handling of peroxides, which can be dangerously unstable.