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B.A. SUNY, Binghamton
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts
Understanding the fundamental chemical reactions between molecular oxygen and organic matter has piqued chemists' interest for many decades. This is not surprising since all matter on earth is continually bathed in an atmosphere rich in molecular oxygen. Therefore an understanding, on the molecular level, of the interaction between matter and oxygen is vital for a comprehensive understanding of the world we live in.
Although the presence of atmospheric
oxygen is a necessary requirement for life, oxygen
has recently been implicated as playing a contributing
role in certain pathological conditions. Free
radicals (or active oxygen) derived from the interaction
of organic matter with molecular oxygen, participate
in some of the most pernicious forms of chemical
degradation such as aging, cancer, and neuronal
atrophy.
Not surprisingly, oxygen derived
damage to materials also has great commercial
implications. The reactions of molecular oxygen
have been implicated in the oxidative deterioration
of petroleum distillates. Various electron-rich,
aromatic, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds
(such as pyrroles, indoles, and carbazoles) have
been shown to react with molecular oxygen and
cause degradation of petroleum products.
Our current efforts are directed at a detailed investigation of the reaction of molecular oxygen with various indole and carbazole derivatives. Identification of both the final oxidation products and reactive intermediates will be stressed. Also, interactive effects of various fuel components (organic acids, metals and sulfur compounds) on the course of heterocyclic oxidation will be examined.
The final phase of this study will involve the rational design of antioxidants that will minimize sediment formation during the oxidation of electron-rich aromatic nitrogen heterocycles in fuel.
Office Phone:(412) 396-5851
Email: beaver@duq.edu |
