Simonetta Antonaroli

Bio: Simonetta Antonaroli is an academic researcher from University of Rome Tor Vergata. The author has contributed to research in topics: Palladium & Aryl. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 46 publications receiving 807 citations.

Characterization of biofilm‐forming cyanobacteria for biomass and lipid production

Abstract: Aims: This work reports on one of the first attempts to use biofilm-forming cyanobacteria for biomass and lipid production. Methods and Results: Three isolates of filamentous cyanobacteria were obtained from biofilms at different Italian sites and characterized by a polyphasic approach, involving microscopic observations, ecology and genetic diversity (studying the 16S rRNA gene). The isolates were grown in batch systems and in a semi-continuous flow incubator, specifically designed for biofilms development. Culture system affected biomass and lipid production, but did not influence the fatty acid profile. The composition of fatty acids was mainly palmitic acid (>50%) and less amounts of other saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Only two isolates contained two polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: Data obtained from the flow-lane incubator system would support a more economical and sustainable use of the benthic microorganisms for biomass production. The produced lipids contained fatty acids suitable for a high-quality biodiesel production, showing high proportions of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Significance and Impact of the Study: Data seem promising when taking into account the savings in cost and time derived from easy procedures for biomass harvesting, especially when being able to obtain the co-production of other valuable by-products.

On the Nature of the Active Species in Palladium Catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura Couplings – Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Catalysis, A Critical Review

Abstract: A wide array of forms of palladium has been utilized as precatalysts for Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions over the last 15 years. Historically, nearly every form of palladium used has been described as the active catalytic species. However, recent research has begun to shed light on the in situ transformations that many palladium precatalysts undergo during and before the catalytic reaction, and there are now many suggestions in the literature that narrow the scope of types of palladium that may be considered true “catalysts” in these coupling reactions. In this work, for each type of precatalyst, the recent literature is summarized and the type(s) of palladium that are proposed to be truly active are enumerated. All forms of palladium, including discrete soluble palladium complexes, solid-supported metal ligand complexes, supported palladium nano- and macroparticles, soluble palladium nanoparticles, soluble ligand-free palladium, and palladium-exchanged oxides are considered and reviewed here. A considerable focus is placed on solid precatalysts and on evidence for and against catalysis by solid surfaces vs. soluble species when starting with various precatalysts. The review closes with a critical overview of various control experiments or tests that have been used by authors to assess the homogeneity or heterogeneity of catalyst systems.

Regioselective and enantioselective epoxidation catalyzed by metalloporphyrins

Abstract: Recent progress in regioselective and enantioselective epoxidations catalyzed by metalloporphyrins is discussed here, with an explanation of the biomimetic antecedents of this area and its relevance to synthetic applications. Classification of the catalysts that have been studied allows useful conclusions to be drawn about the development of this field. In particular, both the most promising biomimetic and practical catalysts have arisen from systems that can be systematically modified by convenient synthetic methodology.