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

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Sulfuric Acid
How time, temperature and red oil content influence the stability of sulfuric acid.
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static electricity lightning bolt running through closed hand
Understand how advanced conductive materials can enhance safety and performance in specialty chemicals manufacturing.
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.

News

Kevin Coughlin/Brookhaven National Laboratory
Scientists Develop Photosynthesis-Inspired Method to Convert CO2 Into Industrial Chemical
June 17, 2025
Department of Energy researchers created a highly selective catalyst that uses light to transform carbon dioxide into formate, avoiding unwanted byproducts that plague existing...
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recycle aluminum metal crushed can waste
June 9, 2025
A lifecycle assessment shows the process could match other green-hydrogen technologies in emissions while enabling localized, on-demand production.
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.
An artist’s rendition of the new catalytic method for asymmetric fragmentation of cyclopropanes.
Nov. 29, 2024
Researchers at Hokkaido University in Japan have developed a novel way to activate alkanes with high stereoselectivity.
Virtual Ligand-Assisted Optimization
Nov. 15, 2024
The method can be used to enhance the efficiency of chemical processes.
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.