ZIOC researchers have created an innovative cartridge for the generation of acetylene

One of the promising areas of modern chemistry is the automation of chemical processes and the miniaturization of laboratory equipment. 3D printing allows the creation of unique and efficient equipment for research in the field of catalysis, organic and medicinal chemistry, as well as the development of devices with improved safety for chemical reactions. Especially attractive is the use of low-cost extrusion 3D printers and available thermoplastic materials, allowing the creation of new chemical reactors in conventional research laboratories around the world.

Scientists from the Laboratory of Metal Complex and Nanoscale Catalysts of the ZIOC have developed an innovative cartridge for generating acetylene, which allows avoiding the difficulties when working with gas (the need for additional equipment for working under pressure and compliance with strict safety regulations). The cartridge is pre-filled with acetylene precursor — calcium carbide, and then sealed. It allows the carbide inside to be stored for a long time. In addition to the acetylene generation itself, the presence of built-in drip channels and a dryer compartment makes it possible to obtain dry gas. The cartridge size is about 5 cm2 and it takes only 1 minute for the release of acetylene to start. Thus, the developed device is useful when it is necessary to quickly start the generation of acetylene and use minimal space for this.

The cartridge was successfully tested in the click reaction, as well as in the processes of addition of diaryl disulfides to acetylene with the formation of bis(arylthio)substituted ethenes and butadienes. Within the framework of this work, a catalytic system was also selected for the efficient addition of dialkyl disulfides to acetylene. Using the developed reactor and technique, a series of 1,2-bis(alkylthio)ethenes with high Z-selectivity was obtained.

Source:

Kirill S. Erokhin and Valentine P. Ananikov Densely Packed Chemical Synthesis Equipment by 3D Spatial Design and Additive Manufacturing: Acetylene Generation Cartridge // Org. Process Res. Dev. 2023, 27, 1144–1153. DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.3c00112.