Our researchers have synthesized novel COFs that enhance the efficiency of catalysts in hydrolysis reactions. For example, reacting an organic compound with water in the presence of the COF can allow one or more groups on the organic compound to be hydrolyzed in order to produce the corresponding hydroxyl group. These novel COFs are applicable to a wide range of hydrolysis reactions, and one such application is to convert toxic chemicals, such as nerve agents, to inert compounds. Nerve agents are organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs. Due to their organic nature, the COFs can hydrolyze specific group(s) on the compound to produce the inert hydroxyl group, allowing for quick remediation of nerve agent exposure. However, nerve agent degradation is just one example of the applicability of these COFs as they can be used in any type of hydrolysis reaction.
Chart Shows the Catalytic Data of the Hydrolysis of Soman, a Nerve Agent