Synthesis of glycerol-derived monoesters in deep eutectic solvents and potential dust suppressants candidates.
Glycerol monoesters, dust suppressant, deep eutectic solvents
Air pollution caused by particulate matter (PM) is one of the main environmental concerns in mining regions, affecting both human health and the surrounding environment. Dust suppressants are widely used to mitigate these effects, with water being the most common agent despite its limitations. In this work, a sustainable methodology was developed for the synthesis of glycerol monoesters with potential application as dust suppressants, using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of oxalic acid, choline chloride, and urea (2:1). The reaction was carried out at 150 °C for 4 hours, using p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst (50 mol% relative
to the carboxylic acid) in a 2:1 molar ratio of glycerol to acid. Reaction optimization was achieved through experimental design, monitored by HPLC, and followed by purification via liquid–liquid extraction.Good yields were obtained for various monoesters: glycerol cinnamate (38%), glycerol caprylate (49%), glycerol benzoate (71%), and glycerol laurate (73%). NMR characterization confirmed ester formation through characteristic carbonyl shifts. In application tests, glycerol laurate at a 6% (w/w) concentration demonstrated high efficiency as a dust suppressant, reducing recirculated dust to 3.85%. The results confirm the viability of this methodology as a green and efficient alternative for the synthesis and use of eco-friendly additives in industrial dust control.