Development of an Analytical Method for Identification and Quantification Glycerol Ethers Danielle G. R. Galvão, Sergiane J. R. Mendonça, Teresa C. R. S. Franco, Gilza M. P. Prazeres, Rafaely N. Lima, et al. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, 2026 Glycerol is a co-product of biodiesel production and an important raw material for the synthesis of economically and ecologically valuable compounds. The etherification of glycerol with benzyl alcohol is a promising chemical route that leads to the formation of highly volatile mono- and diethers with low viscosity and polarity. These compounds can be used as fuel additives to improve physicochemical properties, representing an alternative to increasing the biodiesel content in commercial diesel. Therefore, accurate and reliable protocols are required for the identification and quantification of the reaction products. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet-visible detection (HPLC-UV-Vis) was developed and validated to identify and quantify two ethers produced by glycerol benzylation. Method validation was carried out in accordance with Brazilian legislation and allowed efficient separation of the target compounds, here referred to as ether 1 and ether 2, showing satisfactory linearity in the concentration range of 150 to 400 µg mL-1, coefficients of determination of 0.9963 and 0.9990, and average recoveries of 105 and 74%, respectively. The method demonstrated accuracy, precision, and simplicity, proving suitable for monitoring the formation of glycerol ethers.
Selective Isolation and Characterization of Lauric Methyl Ester From Ariri Coconut (Syagrus cocoides Martius) Fatty Oil Fernanda C. Bastos, Wellington da Conceição Lobato do Nascimento, Cáritas J. S. Mendonça, Rafaely N. Lima, Fernando C. Silva, et al. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 2025 Syagrus cocoides Martius is a palm tree species. Its fruits are composed of an oily almond, until now restricted only to popular use. On the basis of that, to contribute scientific information about this plant, this work evaluated the physical Ariri coconut characteristic, the physical–chemical specifications of almond oil, and its potential to selectively obtain the lauric methyl ester from the transesterification oil reaction. Cold and hot oil extraction was performed using hexane as solvent, producing 18% and 14%, respectively. Alkaline transesterification was conducted for 1 h, and total conversion was observed. Conducting the ester separation by classic column chromatography, the effective isolation of lauric methyl ester in a 93% purity and 27% isolated yield was obtained. The results of this study contribute to knowledge regarding an under‐explored species. Furthermore, they facilitate the development of sustainable methodologies for obtaining valuable oleochemical products.Practical Applications: This study demonstrates the potential of the Ariri coconut as an alternative source of oil and raw material for the production of standard lauric methyl ester, a substance of high commercial value. The findings of this study indicate that Syagrus cocoides Martius, Ariri, is a promising species due to its comparable oil content to other palm species, suggesting the potential for the production of various fatty acid esters. The fractionation of lauric acid ester by column chromatography was effective and selective, indicating a new route for the production of analytical standards or inputs for the fine chemicals industry.
Fundamental Mechanism for Semiconductor Photocatalysts Photocatalysis Approach for Environmental Applications, 2025
Synthesis of Benzoazepinone Derivatives via Photoredox Deaminative Radical Cascade Alkylation of 1,7-Dienes and 1,7-Enynes José Tiago M. Correia, Márcio W. Paixão, Wanderson C. de Souza, Rafaely N. Lima, Iva S. de Jesus Synthesis Germany, 2023 A deaminative alkyl radical cascade cyclization of 1,7-dienes is described under visible-light photocatalysis. This method delivers a family of benzoazepinones (benzazepinones) and occurs under mild reaction conditions to access a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group tolerance and good yields. This protocol has also been extended to 1,7-enynes, furnishing a representative collection of cyclopentaquinolinones.
An overview of neonicotinoids: biotransformation and biodegradation by microbiological processes Charlene S. Anjos, Rafaely N. Lima, André L. M. Porto Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021 Neonicotinoids are a class of pesticides widely used in different phases of agricultural crops. Similar to other classes of pesticides, they can damage human and environmental health if overused, and can be resistent to degradation. This is especially relevant to insect health, pollination, and aquatic biodiversity. Nevertheless, application of pesticides is still crucial for food production and pest control, and should therefore be carefully monitored by the government to control or reduce neonicotinoid contamination reaching human and animal feed. Aware of this problem, studies have been carried out to reduce or eliminate neonicotinoid contamination from the environment. One example of a green protocol is bioremediation. This review discusses the most recent microbial biodegradation and bioremediation processes for neonicotinoids, which employ isolated microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), consortiums of microorganisms, and different types of soils, biobeds, and biomixtures.
