Chemistry, technology and optimization of formulations and physical-chemical parameters in footwear sole industry and synthesis of new metal-supported catalysts.

My PhD work is not a classical one: it involves both industrial and academic experiences. The first part of this work describes the period I spent in Delta Spa. It is located in the industrial zone of Civitanova Marche (MC). This particular part of Marche region is known as “sole valley” because the main production is outsole for footwear. Delta is one of the most historic companies in soles production: it was founded in 1972 and Mr Luigi Lucentini is the CEO. Actually, Delta Spa has its main stake in Civitanova Marche (13000 m2 over a total area of 40000 m2 ) and it has some international participations (Delta HK is one of the most important). His first main activity was the production of PolyUrethane (PU) soles; however, due to the increase of technological knowledge and financial investments in research and development, the company has expanded his production to other materials (Rubber, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Thermoplastic PolyUrethane (TPU)). The propriety has always believed in external resources to increase and better know the properties and quality of the final product. Having in mind this aim, the collaboration between Delta and University of Camerino in this PhD project makes it work. The second part of this thesis involves inorganic chemistry of carbenes and allylic oxidation of alkenes (Kharasch-Sosnovsky reaction) catalysed by copper(II) complexes. I spent this period in the research group of Professor Maura Pellei and Professor Carlo Santini at the School of Science and Technology, Chemistry Division of the University of Camerino. Carbene chemistry is useful in many applications: in this family, a special role is played by N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). They show interesting properties and uses in material chemistry. Derivatives of NHCs having a borate counter anion have been synthesized and they have been studied as carbene precursors for NHCs-silver(I) complexes. Kharasch-Sosnovsky reaction is Cu(II) C-H oxidation for allylic functionalization. Newly ligands and relative copper(II) complexes were synthetized and their relative catalytic activity were studied.