1st Edition

Green Organic Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory

Edited By Andrew P. Dicks Copyright 2012
    298 Pages 248 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    298 Pages 248 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    The last decade has seen a huge interest in green organic chemistry, particularly as chemical educators look to "green" their undergraduate curricula. Detailing published laboratory experiments and proven case studies, this book discusses concrete examples of green organic chemistry teaching approaches from both lecture/seminar and practical perspectives. The experienced contributors address such topics as the elimination of solvents in the organic laboratory, organic reactions under aqueous conditions, organic reactions in non-aqueous media, greener organic reagents, waste management/recycling strategies, and microwave technology as a greener heating tool. This reference allows instructors to directly incorporate material presented in the text into their courses.

    Encouraging a stimulating organic chemistry experience, the text emphasizes the need for undergraduate education to:

    • Focus on teaching sustainability principles throughout the curriculum
    • Be flexible in the teaching of green chemistry, from modification of an existing laboratory experiment to development of a brand-new course
    • Reflect modern green research areas such as microwave reactivity, alternative reaction solvents, solvent-free chemistry, environmentally friendly reagents, and waste disposal
    • Train students in the "green chemistry decision-making" process

    Integrating recent research advances in green chemistry research and the Twelve Principles of Organic Chemistry into the lecture and laboratory environments, Green Organic  Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory highlights smaller, more cost-effective experiments with minimized waste disposal and reduced reaction times. This approach develops a fascinating and relevant undergraduate organic laboratory experience while focusing on real-world applications and problem-solving.

    Introduction to Teaching Green Organic Chemistry
    Introduction
    Early Developments in Green Chemistry
    The Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry
    The Twelve Principles in Teaching Green Organic Chemistry
    Green Organic Chemistry Teaching Resources
    Conclusion
    References

    Designing a Green Organic Chemistry Lecture Course
    Introduction
    Challenges in Launching and Teaching a Green Chemistry Course
    Course Description and Structure
    Feedback
    Advice on Launching a Green Chemistry Course and Epilogue
    Instructive Lecture Case Studies
    References

    Elimination of Solvents in the Organic Curriculum
    Introduction
    Solvent-Free or Not Solvent-Free?
    Industrial and Academic Case Studies
    Solvent-free Reactor Design
    Eliminating Solvents in the Introductory Organic Laboratory
    Conclusion
    References

    Organic Reactions Under Aqueous Conditions
    Introduction
    Studies on the Origin of Enhanced Reactivity in Aqueous Conditions
    Aqueous Chemistry in the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory
    Lecture Case Studies in Aqueous Chemistry
    Conclusion
    References

    Organic Chemistry in Greener Non-Aqueous Media
    Introduction
    Measures of Solvent Greenness
    Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
    Fluorous Solvents
    Ionic Liquids
    Liquid Polymers
    Other Greener Solvents
    Future Outlook
    Conclusion
    References

    Environmentally-Friendly Organic Reagents
    Introduction
    Greener Reagents in the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory
    Conclusion
    References

    Organic Waste Management and Recycling
    Introduction
    Three Industrial Case Studies
    Reduction of Waste Generation
    Managing Generated Waste
    Reagent Recycling
    Recycling Solvents
    Recycling Consumer and Natural Products
    Conclusion
    References

    Greener Organic Reactions under Microwave Heating
    Introduction
    Microwave Heating as a Greener Technology
    Historical Background to Microwave Chemistry
    Microwave Versus Conventional Thermal Heating
    Solvents for Microwave Heating
    A Comparison of Multi-Mode and Mono-Mode Microwave Ovens
    Microwave-Accelerated Reactions for the Undergraduate Laboratory
    Literature Examples of Microwave-Accelerated Reactions
    Conclusion
    References

    Appendix: Greener Organic Chemistry Reaction Index

    Biography

    Andrew P. Dicks (Andy) joined the University of Toronto Chemistry Department in 1997. Following promotion in 2006, he became Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies for two years and developed an ongoing interest in improving the student experience in his department. He has won several pedagogical awards, including the University of Toronto President’s Teaching Award, the Canadian Institute of Chemistry National Award for Chemical Education, and most recently a 2011 American Chemical Society-Committee on Environmental Improvement Award for Incorporating Sustainability into Chemistry Education. His work has lead to over twenty peer-reviewed publications in the chemical education literature.

    Dr. Dicks’ research interests are within the field of undergraduate education, currently with specific emphasis on designing new microscale and semi-microscale green organic laboratory experiments.

    "Green Organic Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory is a valuable compilation of classroom and laboratory examples suitable for undergraduate organic chemistry. … Educating students about environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional solvents, reagents, and reaction conditions fosters critical thinking and promotes sustainability through green chemistry. Green Organic Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory is a useful reference book that will assist faculty in fostering these skills in their students."
    Mary M. Kirchhoff, American Chemical Society, in Journal of Chemical Education, 2013

    "This book is clearly directed at anyone who is interested in designing and implementing a green organic chemistry course, either by ‘greening’ existing courses or by launching a new course. It will provide the reader with an extensive source of information on the recent advances that have been made in green chemistry educational material for use in undergraduate curricula. The clear and concise layout of the book allows readers to target specific areas they are interested in, but the chapters are also properly cross-referenced for more in-depth reading. Case studies from academic and industry perspectives throughout the book provide real life examples and demonstrate the big picture application of course content."
    —Louise Summerton of York University, U.K., in Chemistry Industry, 2012, 76(2), 46-47

    "This book helps to bring the world of green chemistry to not only the scientists and engineers of the future, but also to our prospective political leaders, economists, business leaders, teachers and world citizens."
    —Michael Cann, Chemistry Department, University of Scranton

    "[This book] covers a wide range of key themes, ranging from the 12 principles of green chemistry via various different approaches to conventional synthetic procedures, waste management and waste valorisation.

    What is vital to emphasise to students and to researchers is that any given technique is not necessarily green; rather it is how it is used that will decide this. ... This book makes this point several times, which is refreshing. This indicates care and depth , and should be repeated to ensure students are able to critically evaluate the reality of a case, rather than simply tick a box.

    The book is detailed and very readable – it is certainly a valuable addition to the area."
    —Duncan Macquarrie, Chemistry World, July 2012

    "The principles of green chemistry should be taught to all undergraduates, but most of the available books on green chemistry do not, to my mind, provide the industrial focus, particularly the process chemistry focus, that is necessary. All that has changed with this new book, which, in most chapters, puts an industrial emphasis on the principles of green chemistry. … Overall I enjoyed reading this practical book … . The book is highly recommended to all interested in green chemistry."
    —Dr. Trevor Laird, Editor, Organic Process Research & Development, March 2013