molecules-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Green Organic Synthesis: Innovations for a Sustainable Future

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Organic Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 560

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
Interests: green organic synthesis; carbene chemistry; asymmetric catalysis; editing of inert bonds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Organic synthesis stands as the cornerstone of modern society, having enabled breakthroughs from pharmaceuticals to functional materials. However, traditional process often rely on harsh conditions and generate substantial waste, which brings environmental and economic challenges. This Special Issue, "Green Organic Synthesis: Innovations for a Sustainable Future", is dedicated to the pivotal shift towards sustainable chemical manufacturing.

We showcase cutting-edge research that redefines synthetic efficiency through catalysis, renewable feedstocks, mild conditions and waste-minimizing transformation. These innovations are not merely academic exercises, but also imperative for achieving global sustainability goals. By designing safer chemicals and cleaner reactions, green synthesis directly contributes to reducing pollution, conserving resources, and building a circular economy.

The goal of this Special Issue is to collect original research papers and review articles devoted to all aspects of green organic synthesis, including non-catalysis, metal catalysis, organocatalysis, photocatalysis, and biocatalysis. Submissions of manuscripts describing green synthetic technologies such as flow chemistry, multiphase catalysis, green reagents and solvents, catalyst immobilization, and recycling are also encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Lu Liu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • organic synthesis
  • green chemistry
  • precise synthesis
  • chemoselectivity
  • regioselectivity
  • enantioselectivity
  • catalysis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (1 paper)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 1608 KB  
Article
Design, Synthesis and Thermal Energy Storage Properties of Polyurethane-Based Solid–Solid Phase Change Materials Using Trihydroxy Compounds as Chain Extenders
by Ting Zhang, Yuxin Zhang, Lan Li, Xiaobing Lan and Changzhong Chen
Molecules 2026, 31(9), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31091426 - 26 Apr 2026
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Three crosslinked polyurethane copolymers were successfully synthesized as polymeric solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) for thermal energy storage. These materials were fabricated utilizing trihydroxy compounds (glycerol, triethanolamine, and trimethylolethane) as chain extenders and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the phase change functional segment. A [...] Read more.
Three crosslinked polyurethane copolymers were successfully synthesized as polymeric solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) for thermal energy storage. These materials were fabricated utilizing trihydroxy compounds (glycerol, triethanolamine, and trimethylolethane) as chain extenders and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the phase change functional segment. A comprehensive suite of characterization techniques was employed to investigate the chemical structures, thermal properties, and crystalline behaviors of the resulting SSPCMs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of the crosslinked polyurethane network. Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) analyses revealed that all three SSPCMs exhibit regular spherulitic morphologies with sharp diffraction peaks resembling those of pure PEG, although variations in spherulite size and diffraction intensity were observed among the samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated the reversible latent heat storage and release capabilities of the synthesized SSPCMs, with a maximum endothermic enthalpy (ΔHendo) of 115.7 J/g. Furthermore, thermal cycling tests and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis verified their exhibit excellent reusability, thermal reliability, and high thermal stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Organic Synthesis: Innovations for a Sustainable Future)
Back to TopTop