The synthetic molecule tetra-amido macrocyclic ligand (TAML) is a catalyst which speeds oxidation reactions

Redox

Redox reactions describe all chemical reactions in which atoms have their oxidation state changed....

. It was designed by Terrence J. Collins and associates at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States....

, and is touted as one example of an environmentally-friendly catalyst. It can be made in several variations, including an iron-TAML which can foster the breakdown of the pesticide fenitrothion

Fenitrothion

Fenitrothion is a phosphorothioate insecticide....

. Other promising uses for iron-TAML molecules include cleaning toxic effluent streams from paper mill

Paper mill

A paper mill is a factory devoted to making paper from vegetable fibres such as wood pulp, old rags and other ingredients using a Fourdrinier machine or other type of paper machine.- History :...

s and eliminating corrosive dibenzothiophene

Dibenzothiophene

Dibenzothiophene is the organosulfur compound consisting of two benzene rings fused to a central thiophene ring. It is a colourless solid that is chemically somewhat similar to anthracene...

s from diesel fuels. It is also possible that a TAML will be developed for use against anthrax

Anthrax

Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Most forms of the disease are lethal, and it affects both humans and other animals...

.