Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ResolveByBio (Organic Reactivities in BioRenewable Solvents)
Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2026-01-31
Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project
Project Summary of ResolveByBio Project
1. Context and Overall Objectives:
Many chemical reactions used in academic research and industry rely on organic solvents that are derived from fossil resources. These solvents are often volatile, hazardous to human health, and contribute significantly to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In the European Union, millions of tonnes of organic solvents are used each year in important sectors such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, coatings, and materials manufacturing. Their widespread use has therefore become a major environmental and sustainability challenge.
In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, there is a strong need to replace conventional fossil-based solvents with safer and more sustainable alternatives. BioRenewable Solvents (BRS), produced from biomass or renewable feedstocks, have emerged as promising candidates. These solvents are designed according to “safe-and-sustainable-by-design” principles and offer reduced toxicity, improved environmental compatibility, and a lower carbon footprint compared with conventional solvents.
However, the wider adoption of biorenewable solvents is currently limited due to the lack of fundamental knowledge in the behaviour of chemical reactions in these media. Organic chemists often rely on empirical solvent selection because quantitative data describing reaction rates and reactivity in the relatively new biorenewable solvents are scarce. A key knowledge gap lies in the lack of quantitative understanding of reaction kinetics and reactivity in biorenewable solvents.
The present “ResolveByBio” project aims to address this knowledge gap by systematically studying the kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions in biorenewable solvents. By generating quantitative reactivity data, the project seeks to enable chemists to predict whether specific organic reactions will proceed efficiently in chosen sustainable solvents. Ultimately, the project contributes to the transition toward greener chemical processes by supporting the replacement of hazardous conventional solvents with renewable alternatives.
2. Work Performed and Main Achievements:
The “ResolveByBio” project investigates the reactivities of organic molecules in biorenewable solvents using experimental kinetic studies and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The research focuses on understanding the fundamental factors that determine reaction rates and reactivity patterns in these sustainable solvents.
During the project, systematic kinetic measurements were carried out to determine the nucleophilicity of different classes of organic compounds in biorenewable solvents. In particular, the project studied the reactivity of phosphines, enamines, and vinyl azides and compared their behaviour in conventional solvents such as dichloromethane with their behaviour in biorenewable solvents such as Cyrene.
The project also investigated the reactivity of different biorenewable solvents, including Cyrene, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF), γ-valerolactone (GVL), and mixtures of Cyrene with 2-MeTHF. Their reactivity was evaluated using coloured electrophiles as kinetic probes, allowing reaction rates to be monitored spectroscopically. In addition, solvolysis reactions were studied to understand leaving-group behaviour in sustainable solvent systems. These experiments provide quantitative descriptors that allow researchers to compare the stability and reactivity of organic intermediates that are influenced by biorenewable solvents.
The collected experimental data were analysed using established structure–reactivity relationships and kinetic modelling approaches. The resulting datasets are stored in open repositories, and the results are published in open-access scientific journals. These data will also contribute to publicly accessible databases of chemical reactivity parameters.
The project has contributed to scientific dissemination through conference presentations, workshops, and collaboration with international researchers. These activities have helped with knowledge exchange and increased the visibility of research on sustainable solvent systems.
3. Results Beyond the State of the Art:
Before this project, systematic quantitative studies on organic reactivity in biorenewable solvents were largely absent in the scientific literature. Most previous studies focused on individual reactions in green solvents without establishing general reactivity trends or predictive frameworks.
“ResolveByBio” project advances the state of the art by providing quantitative kinetic data that allow direct comparison between conventional organic solvents and renewable alternatives. The project demonstrates that many organic reactions can proceed with comparable reactivity in biorenewable solvents, suggesting that these solvents can substitute commonly used chlorinated solvents without compromising reaction performance.
By establishing nucleophilicity parameters in sustainable solvents, the project contributes new fundamental knowledge that enables chemists to predict reaction outcomes more reliably. These data will be incorporated into publicly accessible reactivity databases, ensuring long-term availability for researchers and facilitating the design of greener chemical processes.
Overall, the project provides a scientific foundation for the broader adoption of renewable solvents in chemical synthesis and supports the development of more sustainable laboratory and industrial practices.
4. Policy Relevant Evidence:
The results of the “ResolveByBio” project contribute to key European policy significances related to sustainable chemistry, environmental protection, and the transition toward a circular bio-based economy. In particular, the findings support the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which aim to reduce the use of hazardous substances and promote safe and sustainable chemical products.
By demonstrating that biorenewable solvents can replace conventional fossil-derived solvents in many chemical reactions, the project provides scientific evidence supporting policies that encourage the substitution of hazardous chemicals with environmentally friendly alternatives.
The project’s results are also relevant for industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals, where solvent use represents a major environmental footprint. Improved understanding of solvent effects can help the industry to adopt greener processes while maintaining reaction efficiency and competitiveness.
In addition to scientific and industrial benefits, the project contributes to education and public engagement in sustainable chemistry. Outreach activities, including laboratory demonstrations for school students and training activities for future chemistry teachers, promote awareness of environmentally responsible chemical practices among younger generations.
Through these scientific, educational, and policy-relevant contributions, the “ResolveByBio” project supports Europe’s broader transition toward sustainable chemical technologies.
1. Context and Overall Objectives:
Many chemical reactions used in academic research and industry rely on organic solvents that are derived from fossil resources. These solvents are often volatile, hazardous to human health, and contribute significantly to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In the European Union, millions of tonnes of organic solvents are used each year in important sectors such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, coatings, and materials manufacturing. Their widespread use has therefore become a major environmental and sustainability challenge.
In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, there is a strong need to replace conventional fossil-based solvents with safer and more sustainable alternatives. BioRenewable Solvents (BRS), produced from biomass or renewable feedstocks, have emerged as promising candidates. These solvents are designed according to “safe-and-sustainable-by-design” principles and offer reduced toxicity, improved environmental compatibility, and a lower carbon footprint compared with conventional solvents.
However, the wider adoption of biorenewable solvents is currently limited due to the lack of fundamental knowledge in the behaviour of chemical reactions in these media. Organic chemists often rely on empirical solvent selection because quantitative data describing reaction rates and reactivity in the relatively new biorenewable solvents are scarce. A key knowledge gap lies in the lack of quantitative understanding of reaction kinetics and reactivity in biorenewable solvents.
The present “ResolveByBio” project aims to address this knowledge gap by systematically studying the kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions in biorenewable solvents. By generating quantitative reactivity data, the project seeks to enable chemists to predict whether specific organic reactions will proceed efficiently in chosen sustainable solvents. Ultimately, the project contributes to the transition toward greener chemical processes by supporting the replacement of hazardous conventional solvents with renewable alternatives.
2. Work Performed and Main Achievements:
The “ResolveByBio” project investigates the reactivities of organic molecules in biorenewable solvents using experimental kinetic studies and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The research focuses on understanding the fundamental factors that determine reaction rates and reactivity patterns in these sustainable solvents.
During the project, systematic kinetic measurements were carried out to determine the nucleophilicity of different classes of organic compounds in biorenewable solvents. In particular, the project studied the reactivity of phosphines, enamines, and vinyl azides and compared their behaviour in conventional solvents such as dichloromethane with their behaviour in biorenewable solvents such as Cyrene.
The project also investigated the reactivity of different biorenewable solvents, including Cyrene, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF), γ-valerolactone (GVL), and mixtures of Cyrene with 2-MeTHF. Their reactivity was evaluated using coloured electrophiles as kinetic probes, allowing reaction rates to be monitored spectroscopically. In addition, solvolysis reactions were studied to understand leaving-group behaviour in sustainable solvent systems. These experiments provide quantitative descriptors that allow researchers to compare the stability and reactivity of organic intermediates that are influenced by biorenewable solvents.
The collected experimental data were analysed using established structure–reactivity relationships and kinetic modelling approaches. The resulting datasets are stored in open repositories, and the results are published in open-access scientific journals. These data will also contribute to publicly accessible databases of chemical reactivity parameters.
The project has contributed to scientific dissemination through conference presentations, workshops, and collaboration with international researchers. These activities have helped with knowledge exchange and increased the visibility of research on sustainable solvent systems.
3. Results Beyond the State of the Art:
Before this project, systematic quantitative studies on organic reactivity in biorenewable solvents were largely absent in the scientific literature. Most previous studies focused on individual reactions in green solvents without establishing general reactivity trends or predictive frameworks.
“ResolveByBio” project advances the state of the art by providing quantitative kinetic data that allow direct comparison between conventional organic solvents and renewable alternatives. The project demonstrates that many organic reactions can proceed with comparable reactivity in biorenewable solvents, suggesting that these solvents can substitute commonly used chlorinated solvents without compromising reaction performance.
By establishing nucleophilicity parameters in sustainable solvents, the project contributes new fundamental knowledge that enables chemists to predict reaction outcomes more reliably. These data will be incorporated into publicly accessible reactivity databases, ensuring long-term availability for researchers and facilitating the design of greener chemical processes.
Overall, the project provides a scientific foundation for the broader adoption of renewable solvents in chemical synthesis and supports the development of more sustainable laboratory and industrial practices.
4. Policy Relevant Evidence:
The results of the “ResolveByBio” project contribute to key European policy significances related to sustainable chemistry, environmental protection, and the transition toward a circular bio-based economy. In particular, the findings support the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which aim to reduce the use of hazardous substances and promote safe and sustainable chemical products.
By demonstrating that biorenewable solvents can replace conventional fossil-derived solvents in many chemical reactions, the project provides scientific evidence supporting policies that encourage the substitution of hazardous chemicals with environmentally friendly alternatives.
The project’s results are also relevant for industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals, where solvent use represents a major environmental footprint. Improved understanding of solvent effects can help the industry to adopt greener processes while maintaining reaction efficiency and competitiveness.
In addition to scientific and industrial benefits, the project contributes to education and public engagement in sustainable chemistry. Outreach activities, including laboratory demonstrations for school students and training activities for future chemistry teachers, promote awareness of environmentally responsible chemical practices among younger generations.
Through these scientific, educational, and policy-relevant contributions, the “ResolveByBio” project supports Europe’s broader transition toward sustainable chemical technologies.
Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far
The “ResolveByBio” project investigates the reactivities of organic molecules in biorenewable solvents using experimental kinetic studies and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The research focuses on understanding the fundamental factors that determine reaction rates and reactivity patterns in these sustainable solvents.
During the project, systematic kinetic measurements were carried out to determine the nucleophilicity of different classes of organic compounds in biorenewable solvents. In particular, the project studied the reactivity of phosphines, enamines, and vinyl azides and compared their behaviour in conventional solvents such as dichloromethane with their behaviour in biorenewable solvents such as Cyrene.
The project also investigated the intrinsic reactivity of different biorenewable solvents, including Cyrene (= dihydrolevoglucosenone), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF), γ-valerolactone (GVL), and mixtures of Cyrene with 2-MeTHF. Their reactivity was evaluated using coloured electrophiles as kinetic probes, allowing reaction rates to be monitored spectroscopically. In addition, the solvolysis reactions were studied to understand leaving-group behaviour in sustainable solvent systems. These experiments provide quantitative descriptors that allow researchers to compare the stability and reactivity of organic intermediates that are influenced by biorenewable solvents.
The collected experimental data were analysed using established structure–reactivity relationships and kinetic modelling approaches. The resulting datasets are stored in open repositories, and the results are published in open-access scientific journals. These data will also contribute to publicly accessible databases of chemical reactivity parameters.
The project has also contributed to scientific dissemination through conference presentations, workshops, and collaboration with international researchers. These activities have helped with knowledge exchange and increased the visibility of research on sustainable solvent systems.
During the project, systematic kinetic measurements were carried out to determine the nucleophilicity of different classes of organic compounds in biorenewable solvents. In particular, the project studied the reactivity of phosphines, enamines, and vinyl azides and compared their behaviour in conventional solvents such as dichloromethane with their behaviour in biorenewable solvents such as Cyrene.
The project also investigated the intrinsic reactivity of different biorenewable solvents, including Cyrene (= dihydrolevoglucosenone), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF), γ-valerolactone (GVL), and mixtures of Cyrene with 2-MeTHF. Their reactivity was evaluated using coloured electrophiles as kinetic probes, allowing reaction rates to be monitored spectroscopically. In addition, the solvolysis reactions were studied to understand leaving-group behaviour in sustainable solvent systems. These experiments provide quantitative descriptors that allow researchers to compare the stability and reactivity of organic intermediates that are influenced by biorenewable solvents.
The collected experimental data were analysed using established structure–reactivity relationships and kinetic modelling approaches. The resulting datasets are stored in open repositories, and the results are published in open-access scientific journals. These data will also contribute to publicly accessible databases of chemical reactivity parameters.
The project has also contributed to scientific dissemination through conference presentations, workshops, and collaboration with international researchers. These activities have helped with knowledge exchange and increased the visibility of research on sustainable solvent systems.
Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)
Before this project, systematic quantitative studies on organic reactivity in biorenewable solvents were largely absent in the scientific literature. Most previous studies focused on individual reactions in green solvents without establishing general reactivity trends or predictive frameworks.
“ResolveByBio” project advances the state of the art by providing quantitative kinetic data that allow direct comparison between conventional organic solvents and renewable alternatives. The project demonstrates that many organic reactions can proceed with comparable reactivity in biorenewable solvents, suggesting that these solvents can substitute commonly used chlorinated solvents without compromising reaction performance.
By establishing nucleophilicity parameters in sustainable solvents, the ResolveByBio project contributes new fundamental knowledge that enables chemists to predict reaction outcomes more reliably. These data will be incorporated into publicly accessible reactivity databases, ensuring long-term availability for researchers and facilitating the design of greener chemical processes.
Overall, the project provides a scientific foundation for the broader adoption of renewable solvents in chemical synthesis and supports the development of more sustainable laboratory and industrial practices.
“ResolveByBio” project advances the state of the art by providing quantitative kinetic data that allow direct comparison between conventional organic solvents and renewable alternatives. The project demonstrates that many organic reactions can proceed with comparable reactivity in biorenewable solvents, suggesting that these solvents can substitute commonly used chlorinated solvents without compromising reaction performance.
By establishing nucleophilicity parameters in sustainable solvents, the ResolveByBio project contributes new fundamental knowledge that enables chemists to predict reaction outcomes more reliably. These data will be incorporated into publicly accessible reactivity databases, ensuring long-term availability for researchers and facilitating the design of greener chemical processes.
Overall, the project provides a scientific foundation for the broader adoption of renewable solvents in chemical synthesis and supports the development of more sustainable laboratory and industrial practices.