Green solvents to replace toxic solvents

N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) stands out as an indispensable organic solvent in industrial applications, owing to its exceptional solvation properties, thus positioning it as the prime candidate for facilitating the chemical degradation of vitrimer materials. However, its widespread usage remains a subject of controversy primarily because of its inherent carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic properties. The dichotomy of its exceptional utility and the associated health and environmental concerns underscores the imperative for seeking and implementing viable alternatives that balance efficacy with safety.

Considering this, our teams have been working on DMF substitution in order to enhance our products and refine experimental conditions. This effort aims particularly at reducing toxicity and minimising environmental impact.

Initially, 5 alternative solvents were identified through a series of tests. Thanks to several analyses, varying temperatures and catalysts, one solvent stood out from the rest, achieving a remarkable 100% degradation rate!

Looking ahead, the pivotal next phase involves subjecting this green solvent to rigorous testing across diverse chemical applications. This aims to validate its degradation parameters and ensure its suitability as a versatile and sustainable solvent solution.