Reaction & Synthesis

Making a desired product generally involves the transformation of raw materials via a chemical process. This typically occurs by reacting the materials or using another means to create the final product. Success in achieving such transformations more often than not requires sophisticated design and careful setting and control of operating conditions.

Articles

Courtesy of the researchers, edited by MIT News
MIT Conversion Process
Researchers say it’s the first work that has progressed into a much larger scale without sacrificing efficiency.
One-Pot Process Converts Aromatic Ketones to Aromatic Esters
The one-pot process simplifies synthesis, reduces reaction times and minimizes the need for additional purification steps.
Argonne National Laboratory/ Max Delferro
Catalyst boosts conversion
New catalyst breakthrough could mean cheaper, greener polypropylene production.
Feng Jiao
two-step system
Two-step electrochemical process uses a kW scale electrolyzer to convert carbon dioxide into high-quality multi-carbon products.

News

Clathrates Outperform Nickel Catalysts for Hydrogen
April 21, 2025
Researchers show that clathrates are suited as catalysts for electrolytic hydrogen production.
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potable clean drinking water in a glass cup
April 16, 2025
A new hybrid electrolysis system could reduce the cost of green hydrogen production while addressing freshwater scarcity for industrial use.
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Molecular structure of acetylene
March 31, 2025
Novel catalyst tackles contamination in polymerization processes.
Hydrogen Activation Catalyst Harnesses Boron and Sodium
March 21, 2025
Researchers started with the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs, which are incredibly reactive and capable of activating bonds in normally stable molecules.
Researchers Find Selective Way to Steer Hydrocarbon Transformation
Sept. 27, 2024
The study represents an important step toward more sustainable chemical manufacturing processes.
Rice University's Naomi Halas
Sept. 20, 2024
Rice University wins grant for innovative catalysis research combining light and atoms.
How Nuclear Fuel Behaves
Sept. 6, 2024
Experiments at Argonne National Laboratory provide insight into the fundamental behavior of actinide oxides at extreme temperatures.
Credit: Caltech/Chungkeun Shin
Different stages of a chemical reaction with the samarium diiodide reagent.
Aug. 23, 2024
Researchers unlocked the samarium–oxygen bond that forms during the reactions and renders the chemical inactive.