Synthesis of Vanillin into Dehydrozingerone using Non-Hazardous Procedures

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the conversion of vanillin, a molecule found naturally in the pods of the vanilla plant to dehydrozingerone and gingerol, which are molecules found naturally in the roots of the ginger plant, using a series of organic reactions. Gingerol is highly marketed for its medicinal purposes, smell and taste; however, like vanillin, the extraction process previously used to obtain material from the natural source is inefficient and can be expensive. By using vanillin as a precursor, we are looking to cut the costs associated with synthesis of gingerol and determine if it can be an effective laboratory project for third year undergraduate organic chemistry students. Using a series of chemical reactions, specifically aldol condensations, oxidations and reductions, we will devise a route to gingerol that produces the target molecule in a time and resource-efficient manner.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tina Bott

Discipline: Chemistry