Alkyl 2-furoates obtained by green chemistry procedures as suitable new antifoulants for marine protective coatings

Abstract

In search of new sustainable alternatives to reduce the use of metallic antifouling pigments in marine paints, three n-alkyl 2-furoates were synthesized by safe procedures framed within the green chemistry concepts. These compounds were characterized by current organic analysis, and their antifouling properties were first evaluated on Artemia salina nauplii in the laboratory. Then, antifouling paints formulated with these compounds were assayed in a marine environment. Both laboratory and field tests indicate that n-alkyl 2-furoates have strong antifouling activity and are safe chemicals for marine paints.