Katritzky reaction rate turbocharged by glassware

The rate that an amine transfer reaction proceeds at is boosted when it takes place in a glass vessel, as opposed to plastic one.¹ The findings suggest that glass particles catalyse the Katritzky reaction by acting as a base, potentially offering a reusable green catalyst for this and possibly other reactions.

Apparatus and experimental set-ups have been known to inadvertently affect reactions before. Last year researchers found that cleaned stirrer bars are often still contaminated with metal catalysts which can alter experiments. Meanwhile, molecular nitrogen – often used as an inert carrier gas – was found to accelerate reactions that use ruthenium-based catalysts.