Yeast‐Catalyzed Cyanoacetamide Arylidene for Selective and Recyclable Removal of Phenolic Pollutants From Wastewater

ABSTRACT This study reports the first biocatalytic synthesis of cyanoacetamide arylidene ( M ) using baker's yeast as a sustainable, green catalyst, fully aligned with green chemistry principles. Unlike conventional methods, this strategy eliminates harsh reagents and energy‐intensive processes while offering scalability, low cost, and high yield. The synthesized material was comprehensively characterized by CHN, FTIR, 1 H/ 13 C NMR, BET, and SEM/EDX, confirming its structural and surface properties. M exhibited remarkable adsorption efficiency toward hazardous phenolic pollutants, achieving maximum capacities of 98.6 mg g −1 for hydroquinone and 96.59 mg g −1 for catechol at an initial dye concentration of 50 ppm under optimal conditions (pH 5.0, 25°C ± 1°C). At higher concentrations (300 ppm), the adsorption capacity increased to 297 and 272 mg/g for catechol and hydroquinone, respectively, although the removal efficiency decreased due to site saturation. Kinetic studies followed a pseudo‐second‐order model, while isotherm analysis fitted Langmuir monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic data (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS) indicated a spontaneous, exothermic process with favorable entropy changes. Mechanistic insights from SEM/EDX confirmed hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and van der Waals interactions as dominant forces. Compared with conventional adsorbents, M demonstrated superior adsorption capacity, selectivity, and recyclability, retaining > 90% efficiency after multiple cycles. These findings highlight M as an eco‐friendly, and industrially viable sorbent, offering a transformative approach for wastewater remediation and addressing urgent challenges in clean water supply and sustainable chemical technology.