Pure Appl. Chem., 2001, Vol. 73, No. 8, pp. 1281-1285
doi:10.1351/pac200173081281
Developments in CO2 research*
Jacqueline A. Behles and Joseph M. DeSimone
Department of Chemistry, CB# 3290, Venable and Kenan Laboratories, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA
Abstract:
CO2 can be a good solvent for many compounds when used in its compressed liquid or supercritical fluid state. Above its critical temperature and critical pressure (Tc = 31 C, Pc = 73.8 bar), CO2 has liquid-like densities and gas-like viscosities, which allows for safe commercial and laboratory operating conditions. Many small molecules are readily soluble in CO2, whereas most macromolecules are not. This has prompted development of several classes of small molecule and polymeric surfactants that enable emulsion and dispersion polymerizations as well as other technological processes.