However, the use of solvents results in emissions which do regular harm to health and the environment, and requires (especially in the research laboratory) a major expenditure of material and energy. The elimination of solvents offers an interesting possibility for process intensification. In a joint project, Fritsch GmbH of Idar-Oberstein and the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena are testing an option of this type: the execution of solvent-free organic synthesis with the assistance of planetary ball mills.
In planetary ball mills the grist is crushed by high-powered blows from the grinding balls. This mechanical energy can be used to provide threshold energy for chemical reactions. In the project, various existing reactions were reconstructed – through mechanical inducement – in laboratory scale, whereby the reactions are not limited to a specific reaction class.
One example was the solvent-free transformation of alkalines into various synthesis »building blocks«. Further, the energy input by means of ball milling proved to be quite efficient in comparison with other means of energy input in solvent-free synthesis. The results indicate that solvent-free reactions in the ball mill shorten the reaction times, reduce the amount of energy and raw materials required, and increase work safety through the elimination of health-endangering substances.
Project Operation:
Fritsch GmbH
Industriestraße 8
55743 Idar-Oberstein
Telefon 06784|700
info@fritsch.de
www.fritsch.de
Cooperation Partner:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
www.uni-jena.de
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