Accelerated d-Fructose Acid-Catalyzed Reactions in Thin Films Formed by Charged Microdroplets Deposition

Synthesis of organic molecules via spray-drying

Confining chemical reactions within microdroplets has attracted significant attention from chemists due to the accelerated reaction rates resulting from the drastically smaller reaction volumes than in standard solutions. Herein we report that, beyond its widespread use for producing dry-powder formulations for industries (e.g. pharmaceuticals and food) via the atomization of microdroplets followed by drying in a hot gas stream, spray-drying can also be employed in organic synthesis. Specifically, we used spray-drying to run three model reactions: a Schiff-base condensation, a Claisen-Schmidt reaction, and acylation of amines, for synthesizing small organic molecules. Our results showcase that, compared to traditional methods, spray-drying can reduce reaction times without compromising (high) yields, paving the way for its use as a scalable method for industrial-scale organic synthesis.

Photo-activated Carbon dots (CDs) as Catalysts in the Knoevenagel Condensation: A Mechanistic Study by Dual-Mode Monitoring via ESI-MS

Carbon dots (CDs) obtained from 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF) were activated by a 365 nm-UV irradiation source and employed in the Knoevenagel condensation to investigate their photocatalytic mechanism. To this end, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to monitor the time progress of the condensation and follow the formation of the final product in positive and negative ion modes at once. The intervention of the superoxide radical anion in the photocatalytic mechanism of CDs was highlighted.

Mobilized Electrospray Device for On-Tissue Chemical Derivatization in MALDI-MS Imaging

Applying solutions of a matrix or derivatization agent via microdroplets is a common sample preparation technique for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) experiments. Mobilized nebulizer sprayers are commonly used to create a homogeneous matrix or reagent layer across large surfaces. Electrospray devices have also been used to produce microdroplets for the same purpose but are rarely used for large tissues due to their immobility. Herein, we present a movable electrospray device that can be used for large tissue sample preparation through a simple modification to an automatic commercial nebulizer device. As demonstrated for on-tissue chemical derivatization (OTCD) with Girard's reagent T using a mimetic tissue model, the sprayer has the additional benefit of being able to investigate reaction acceleration in OTCD when comparing electrostatically charged spray to electrostatically neutral spray. Finally, MALDI-MSI of fatty aldehydes is successfully demonstrated in rat brain tissues using this device for both OTCD and matrix application.

Stereoselectivity in electrosprayed confined volumes: asymmetric synthesis of warfarin by diamine organocatalysts in microdroplets and thin films

The asymmetric synthesis of warfarin in microdroplets and thin films generated by an electrospray ionization (ESI) source is reported. This is one of the first examples of an enantioselective organocatalyzed reaction in electrosprayed confined volumes. The optimal conditions in terms of system setting were established for this reaction.

Sulfuric Acid Catalyzed Esterification of Amino Acids in Thin Film

The esterification reaction of different amino acids with methanol catalyzed by H2SO4 was first studied in the small volume of thin films generated by ESI microdroplet deposition. The reaction is promoted by the pneumatic spray of the ESI source and reaches its maximum efficiency at a thin film temperature of 70 °C. Selective esterification of the COOH moiety was demonstrated. Microdroplet size and thin film volume and lifetime are critical parameters that influenced the reaction outcome. As expected, l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine having aromatic side chain substituents were the most reactive amino acids, reaching absolute yields of around 40-50%. The amino acid esterification catalyzed by H2SO4 in a thin film occurs under synthetic conditions in which the same reaction in the bulk is not observed.

Kinetic Study of the Maillard Reaction in Thin Film Generated by Microdroplets Deposition

The Maillard reaction kinetics in the confined volume of the thin film produced by ESI microdroplet deposition was studied by mass spectrometry. The almost exclusive formation of the Amadori product from the reaction of D-xylose and D-glucose toward L-glycine and L-lysine was demonstrated. The thin film Maillard reaction occurred at a mild synthetic condition under which the same process in solution was not observed. The comparison of the thin film kinetics with that of the reaction performed in solution showed strong thin film rate acceleration factors.