Vol. 23, No. 3 (2024), Poly24405 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/Poly24405

Cold plasma oligomerization in argon atmosphere from carvacrol: Product formation and characterization

 

Authors

E.O. Martínez-Ruiz, J.A. González-López, C. G. Cuellar-Gaona, M. Á. González-López, J. R. Torres-Lubián, M.E. Treviño-Martínez, C. Gallardo-Vega, G. Soria-Arguello, M. G. Neira-Velázquez

Abstract

Carvacrol, a monoterpenoid sourced from sustainable materials like oregano, has been studied for its oxidation into higher value compounds, such as thymoquinone or low molar mass derivatives, due to their applicability in epoxy resin synthesis. This oxidation process employs a range of catalysts, solvents and oxidizing agents. Cold plasma oligomerization of carvacrol in an argon atmosphere presents an alternative to catalytic methods. From 3 mL of carvacrol, 46 mg of solid product (Pcrol) were obtained, achieving a 35 ±0.5% selectivity. Surface examinations reveal a hydrophobic material with a meshed texture, while chemical characterization confirms the retention of functional groups, successful plasma oligomerization and provides insights into the reaction mechanism. The results identify Pcrol as an oligomer, and thermal analysis suggests it decomposes below 300 ±2.11 °C, likely due to its shorter oligomer chains.

Keywords

carvacrol; cold plasma; oligomer, sustainable, green chemistry.

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