Journal of Chemistry

Influence of Substrate Concentration on Enzyme Activity in Bio Catalysis

Charles Mbira — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of substrate concentration on enzyme activity in bio catalysis in Uganda.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: The study revealed crucial insights into enzymatic kinetics and reaction rates. Generally, as substrate concentration increases, the rate of enzymatic activity also increases, following a hyperbolic curve until reaching a plateau, known as the maximum velocity (Vmax). This relationship is described by the Michaelis-Menten equation. At low substrate concentrations, the rate of reaction is directly proportional to substrate concentration, indicating that the enzyme is not saturated and has available active sites for binding. However, as substrate concentration continues to rise, the enzyme becomes saturated, reaching its maximum catalytic capacity, where the rate of reaction remains constant regardless of further increases in substrate concentration. This saturation effect is due to all enzyme active sites being occupied, leading to a plateau in the reaction rate. Additionally, the enzyme's affinity for the substrate, represented by the Michaelis constant (Km), influences the shape of the curve.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Substrate concentration theory, steady-state theory and allosteric theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of substrate concentration on enzyme activity in bio catalysis in Uganda. Provide guidelines for optimizing substrate management strategies in bio catalytic processes to maximize enzyme efficiency and reaction yields. Advocate for policies that support the adoption of optimized substrate management strategies in industrial bio catalytic processes.

Relationship between Solvent Polarity and Reaction Rate in Organic Synthesis

Sharon Okumu — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between solvent polarity and reaction rate in organic synthesis.

Findings: Polar solvents tend to enhance reaction rates for polar reactions due to their ability to stabilize charged intermediates and transition states. Conversely, nonpolar solvents often accelerate nonpolar reactions by minimizing solvation effects and promoting favorable interactions between reactants. However, there are exceptions to these trends, as solvent effects can also be influenced by factors such as hydrogen bonding, solute-solvent interactions, and solvent viscosity. Additionally, the choice of solvent can impact the selectivity and yield of the desired product. Thus, understanding the interplay between solvent polarity and reaction kinetics is crucial for optimizing organic synthesis processes. Experimental studies and computational modeling techniques play key roles in elucidating these relationships and guiding solvent selection for specific reactions.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transition state theory, solvent-solute interactions and microscopic solvation models may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between solvent polarity and reaction rate in organic synthesis. Audit firms should invest in ongoing training and professional development programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of auditors. This includes staying updated on industry-specific issues, emerging risks, and advanced audit methodologies. Regulatory authorities should continue to strengthen their oversight of the audit profession. This includes periodically reviewing and updating auditing standards, enforcing compliance with auditing regulations, and imposing penalties for audit failures.

Role of Surface Functional Groups on the Adsorption Capacity of Carbon Nanomaterials in Nigeria

Ayodele Chinedu — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of surface functional groups on the adsorption capacity of carbon nanomaterials in Nigeria.

Findings: Surface functionalization plays a crucial role in altering the physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials, thereby influencing their adsorption performance. Functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups can significantly enhance adsorption capacity by increasing the surface area, creating favorable binding sites, and altering surface polarity. Studies have shown that the type, density, and distribution of these functional groups on carbon nanomaterials directly affect their adsorption efficiency towards various contaminants including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and dyes. Furthermore, the synergistic effects between different functional groups and their interactions with target molecules further contribute to the enhanced adsorption performance of functionalized carbon nanomaterials.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of surface functionalization, theory of adsorption mechanisms and theory of surface reactivity may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of surface functional groups on the adsorption capacity of carbon nanomaterials in Nigeria. Develop tailored functionalization strategies based on specific adsorption applications and target contaminants. Advocate for the development of standardized protocols for assessing the performance and safety of functionalized carbon nanomaterials in adsorption applications.

Effect of Temperature on the Efficiency of Polymerization Reactions Using Novel Catalysts in Cameroon

Andy Djambo — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of temperature on the efficiency of polymerization reactions using novel catalysts in Cameroon.

Findings: The study showed that temperature plays a crucial role in controlling the rate of polymerization and the properties of the resulting polymers. At higher temperatures, the polymerization reaction tends to proceed more rapidly due to increased kinetic energy, resulting in shorter reaction times and higher yields of desired polymers. However, excessively high temperatures can lead to undesired side reactions or thermal degradation of the polymer. Conversely, lower temperatures can slow down the polymerization process, potentially allowing for better control over the molecular weight and structure of the polymer. Additionally, the choice of catalysts has been found to interact with temperature, influencing the overall efficiency of the reaction.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transition state theory, Arrhenius equation and catalyst deactivation theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the effect of temperature on the efficiency of polymerization reactions using novel catalysts in Cameroon. Industrial practitioners should focus on optimizing process parameters, including temperature, pressure, and catalyst concentration, to maximize polymerization efficiency while ensuring product quality and consistency. Encourage the adoption of sustainable polymerization practices by incentivizing the use of energy-efficient processes and catalysts with minimal environmental impact.

Impact of pH on the Catalytic Activity of Metal Nanoparticles in Organic Reactions in Ghana

Owusu Adwoa — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of pH on the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles in organic reactions in Ghana.

Findings: The pH of the reaction medium can significantly influence the surface charge, morphology, and composition of metal nanoparticles, consequently affecting their catalytic performance. At specific pH levels, the protonation or deprotonation of functional groups on the nanoparticle surface can occur, altering the electronic properties and reactivity of the catalyst. Additionally, pH can influence the stability of metal nanoparticles and their interaction with reactants, intermediates, and products. Studies have shown that optimizing pH conditions can enhance catalytic activity, selectivity, and recyclability of metal nanoparticles in various organic transformations, including hydrogenation, oxidation, and coupling reactions. Understanding the pH dependence of metal nanoparticle catalysis is crucial for the rational design and optimization of efficient catalytic systems for organic synthesis.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Surface chemistry theory, electrochemical theory and colloid chemistry theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of pH on the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles in organic reactions in Ghana. Implementation of advanced experimental techniques for real-time monitoring of pH effects on nanoparticle catalysis. Techniques such as in situ spectroscopy and surface characterization methods can provide valuable insights into dynamic changes in nanoparticle structure and reactivity during catalytic reactions. Integration of pH considerations into regulatory frameworks and guidelines for sustainable catalysis.