PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
March 10, 2026AIChE Journal0 citations

Acidity modulation mechanisms governing selective extraction of nitrogen heterocycles in dual‐acid DESs

View Full Paper
SMShaojie MaBWBangzhu WangWZWeiming Zhai

Key Points

  • The research aims to explore how dual-acidic deep eutectic solvents can selectively extract nitrogen-containing molecules through acidity modulation.
  • Utilized dual-acidic deep eutectic solvents with varying Lewis and Brønsted acids.
  • Conducted mechanistic studies using FT-IR spectroscopy, density functional theory, and molecular electrostatic potential analysis.
  • Examined proton transfer, Lewis acid-base coordination, and π-cation interactions.
  • Demonstrated that Brønsted sites preferentially bind basic heterocycles and Lewis sites interact with non-basic species.
  • Achieved unprecedented extraction efficiencies compared to conventional single-acid systems.
  • Confirmed the robustness of the dual-acid design against competing chemical species.

Abstract

Abstract Selective capture of structurally diverse molecules remains a major challenge in chemical separations. Here, we introduce dual‐acidic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in which Lewis acids modulate the Brønsted acidity, creating a synergistic environment for the simultaneous extraction of basic and non‐basic nitrogen‐containing molecules. Brønsted sites, activated by adjacent Lewis centers, preferentially bind basic heterocycles, while the Lewis sites coordinate with non‐basic species, achieving unprecedented extraction efficiencies. Mechanistic studies combining FT‐IR spectroscopy, density functional theory, and molecular electrostatic potential analysis reveal that proton transfer, Lewis acid–base coordination, and π–cation interactions collectively govern selective recognition. This dual‐acidic design strategy is generalizable across different LA‐metal DES compositions and robust against competing chemical species. Our findings demonstrate a rational approach to fine‐tune cooperative acid functionalities, establishing a versatile platform for selective molecular capture and separations beyond conventional single‐acid systems.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Ma et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69af95a470916d39fea4d798https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.70323
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper