Celebrating the First Anniversary of SCNOW

Join us for the **Thieme Cheminar: Celebrating the First Anniversary of SCNOW** on January 22nd, 2025. Chaired by Prof. Chris Slootweg, this event will feature insightful talks from Julian Lauten-Weiss, Prof. Anant Kapdi, Prof. Huizhen Liu, and Prof. Silvia Gross, discussing topics such as circular business models, sustainable synthesis, and green materials. Celebrate the achievements of Sustainability Circularity NOW and discover innovative solutions shaping a more sustainable future. Rapid Access to Modified Nucleosides and Commercially Relevant Compounds Using an Expedient Flow Chemistry Pathway Flow chemistry has revolutionized the way synthesis has been performed in academia and industry by expediting the conventional processes leading to the minimization of reaction time, reaction related waste (byproducts) and also has allowed the reactions to be performed under milder conditions. Hazardous processes can also be performed with ease. Our group has been interested in developing rapid processes based on catalytic modification of nucleosides as well as several commercially relevant molecules. The presentation will highlight some of the efforts our group has to taken using Flow chemistry for addressing the issues associated with the conventional synthetic processes for obtaining these important molecules. Transformation of Biomass to valuable Compounds Lignin is the most abundant amorphous three-dimensional aromatic polymer carbon resource in nature, and the paper industry generates a large amount of lignin annually. However, currently, the utilization rate of lignin is less than 10%. Achieving the high-value utilization of lignin is of great significance. By coupling hydrolysis and hydrogenation reactions, using Pd/C as a catalyst, with surface electron modification of inorganic salts and solvent control, we have achieved the conversion of important lignin-derived aromatic ether compounds to prepare cyclohexanone and its derivatives. Through the synergistic catalysis of RhCl3, LiI, and LiBF4, with RhCl3 catalyzing carbonylation reactions and LiI and LiBF4 catalyzing ether bond cleavage, we have accomplished the transformation of aromatic methyl ether compounds into benzoyl ester compounds. Furthermore, preparing important chemicals from authentic lignin as raw material holds even greater significance. However, direct depolymerization of lignin often results in mixtures that are challenging to separate. We have proposed a novel approach for the selective utilization of methoxy groups in lignin, enabling the preparation of important chemicals such as acetic acid from authentic lignin. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a crucial platform compound in biomass, and its targeted conversion for the production of essential chemicals has attracted widespread attention. By constructing a specific reaction interface, we have achieved the selective hydrogenation of HMF to produce 5-methylfurfural (MF). Opportunities and Challenges of Piloting Circular Business Models Circular business models play a pivotal role in driving the transition to a circular economy but are often accompanied by risks and uncertainties. Experimentation and pilot projects provide a promising approach to mitigating these challenges. To this end, we investigated circular business model pilot projects led by industrial consortia. Our qualitative analysis reveals how motivations, challenges, and perceived potential evolve over time. Interestingly, while demand-side challenges diminished, supply-side issues, such as resource availability and logistics, became more prominent. Further, the findings suggest that the timing of interventions is a critical yet often underestimated factor in the success of circular business model pilots. These insights highlight the importance of adaptive strategies and timing in overcoming barriers to scaling circular solutions.