Oh, Da Hae Rashid, Al Mamunur Yoo, Chun-Jae Ha, Jeong-Myeong Koo, Bonwook Choi, Jungkyu Jeong, Keunhong Kim, Kwang Ho 2024-10-26T07:00:38Z 2024-10-26T07:00:38Z 2024-10-25 2024-12 1864-5631 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/150871 The development of greener and more sustainable synthesis processes for manufacturing commodity chemicals is of great importance. The majority of current phenol production methods involve harsh reaction conditions with high energy consumption, causing severe environmental pollution. In this study, we present a novel approach for the decarboxylation of hydroxybenzoic acids (HBAs) to phenol using a choline chloride-urea (ChCl-urea) deep eutectic solvent (DES). Our study reveals the remarkable dual performance of ChCl-urea both as a catalyst and solvent for the decarboxylation of HBA, resulting in a high phenol yield (94 mol %) under mild reaction conditions. The proposed reaction pathway, established through a combination of experiments and computational simulations, enhances our understanding of this process. The recyclability of the DES system during decarboxylation was also assessed. Our findings demonstrate that the integration of DES into conventional chemical processes can pave the way for sustainable manufacturing, exemplifying a novel approach for producing phenol from abundant natural resources using designer solvents. A greener deep eutectic solvent (DES) enables the development of a sustainable phenol production process from naturally abundant resources. The choline chloride-urea DES catalyzes the conversion of hydroxybenzoic acids into phenol under mild conditions, achieving high yield and recyclability. This novel approach exemplifies an environmentally friendly method for chemical manufacturing. image English Wiley - V C H Verlag GmbbH & Co. Decarboxylation of Hydroxybenzoic Acids to Phenol Via Deep Eutectic Solvents Article 10.1002/cssc.202401257 1 ChemSusChem, v.17, no.23 ChemSusChem 17 23 N scie scopus 001325912400001 2-s2.0-85205460274 Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Green & Sustainable Science & Technology Chemistry Science & Technology - Other Topics Article MECHANISMS LIGNIN DESS Decarboxylation Deep eutectic solvents Phenol DFT