Streamlining squaramide synthesis using a sustainable and versatile paper-based platform

Abstract

Green sustainable synthesis minimizes environmental impact by reducing waste, energy use, and hazardous materials, thus promoting safer and efficient methods aligned with ecological principles. Building on this, we herein disclose a sustainable methodology for the synthesis of squaramide-based compounds, key structural templates for medicinal and organic chemistry applications, via an innovative eco-friendly protocol. This innovative approach leverages the benefits of filter paper as a suitable reaction platform for water-based solvent systems, thus triggering a significant advance in environmentally friendly practices in organic synthesis. Our newly conceived protocol guarantees high reaction yields (up to 99.5%) and excellent green metrics (up to 89.5/100), unequivocally demonstrating the suitability and versatility of a simple material like filter paper to not only streamline the overall process but also enhance the efficiency of the reaction. Specifically, the adoption of a paper-based reaction platform for synthesizing squaramide-based compounds showcases clear advantages, such as enabling the reaction to proceed without the complications of water removal and avoiding the need for complex equipment or time-consuming purification steps. This approach represents a promising starting point that could be exploited for further applications in chemical synthesis, thus fostering and empowering a sustainable vision in organic and medicinal chemistry.