Replacement of o-xylene with Avocado Oil as the Solvent System in a Diels-Alder Reaction

Abstract

This study is investigating environmentally friendly alternatives to o-xylene as a solvent in the Diels-Alder synthesis using butadiene sulfone as a precursor to 1,3-butadiene. This reaction is used as a learning laboratory experiment in the Augusta University introductory Organic Chemistry class as well as in a multitude of other universities. O-xylene has a variety of detrimental health impacts ranging in severity due to the length and duration of exposure to the solvent. Not only is it a health hazard, but it is also an environmental pollutant. One of the major concerns of o-xylene is that due to its high volatility, several environmental pollutants can be released into our atmosphere. With these health and environmental impacts in mind, the aim of this green chemistry project is to find a solvent that could replace o-xylene without affecting the type and quality of the product produced. Due to the availability, affordability, compatibility, simple extraction method, and easy access to third-world countries, it is hypothesized that avocado oil would be an excellent green replacement for this reaction.