1,3-Acetonedicarboxylic Acid as a Simple Stimulus for Reversible Time-Controlled pH Modulation

Implementation of new activated carboxylic acids is crucial to switch reversibly chemical systems over time in a safer manner. By applying cheap 1,3-acetonedicarboxylic acid, the pH of aqueous solutions can be decreased before autonomously evolving over time back again to a higher value upon diacid decarboxylation. This decarboxylation can be catalysed by different species such as simple amines or simple metals such as iron and copper salts. This process generates 2 molecules of CO2 and acetone as single waste, considerably decreasing the toxicity associated with such activated acids. The potential of this weak diacid was confirmed by reversibly disrupting a strong gel upon diacid addition and opens the way to the application in complex chemically fuelled systems. 1,3-Acetonedicarboxylic acid has been applied as a stimuli for reversible time-controlled pH modulation. It is cheaper and safer than commonly used reagents and enables to switch reversibly upon time the pH of a chemical system through its catalyzed decarboxylation. This was notably applied in the reversible disruption of an hydrogel.image

Automated summary

The implementation of new activated carboxylic acids is crucial for reversible chemical systems. Using 1,3-acetonedicarboxylic acid, the pH of aqueous solutions can be decreased and then autonomously evolve over time back to a higher value through decarboxylation. This process generates less waste and decreases toxicity, making it suitable for complex chemically fuelled systems.