Markers of Excellence (Level 3) - ACS Guidelines

Now and in the years ahead, we need to sustain all life on our planet. How do we do this? Chemistry, the science of materials, provides part of the answer to this question. Practicing chemistry in a green and sustainable manner is essential to achieving a sustainable future. However, sustainability concepts seldom are taught in the chemistry classroom. For example, the connections between ...

We report a series of experiments based upon cinnamon oil that were developed to provide a practical integration of green and sustainable chemistry concepts for the organic chemistry laboratory. Five experiments centering around cinnamaldehyde as a green, plant-based chemical were performed by undergraduate students in a second-year organic chemistry class. Cinnamon oil was obtained through ...

In this set of experiments, students will be introduced to condensation reactions, green chemistry, and cocrystal-controlled solid-state synthesis. This type of solid-state synthesis is performed by first making cocrystals of the two reactants (in this case an anhydride and an amine) which brings the reactive functional groups in close proximity to one another, allowing for a reaction to occur ...

This activity presents a simple method for producing sustainable, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly paints from materials purchased at a local grocery store and offers suggestions for experiments to test the properties of the student-made paints. This activity has been used to engage elementary, middle, and high school students in scientific outreach efforts aimed at teaching chemical ...

This experiment demonstrates chemoselectivity in various reaction conditions. The mono or di-methylation of 1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone can be controlled by either refluxing the reagents in tetraglyme or by simply heating without solvent. Also, this ether synthesis has been made greener by eliminating flammable THF and dangerous sodium hydride and by using a less toxic methylating agent. ...

This study evaluates the use of sunflower oil and soybean oil as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic gear lubricants in helical gear systems. Conducted using a gear test rig, the research measured kinematic viscosity and viscosity index of both oils over 80 hours of operation. Findings revealed that while both oils possess high viscosity indices and perform well at high temperatures, sunflower ...

This laboratory curriculum uses project-based learning to engage second-year organic chemistry students in investigations which incorporate green chemistry decision-making. The basis for this laboratory curriculum is to experience science from the perspective of an organic chemist. Working in groups, students are tasked with a project requiring them to design and carry out an investigation ...

In this activity, students explore how much Carbon Dioxide is produced from varying combinations of reactants. Students use stoichiometric calculations to determine the theoretical anticipated amount of CO2. Students record observations and measurements of mass of reactants before and after the reaction. Students use the recorded measurements to calculate the amount of Carbon Dioxide produced.In ...

The determination of the formula of a hydrate is an experiment that introduces students to many fundamental chemical concepts including stoichiometry, the notion of a mole, and nomenclature. In this experiment, the authors replaced the previously used calcium and barium salts because the latter is considered poisonous and tumorigenic, and both were considered waste after only one use. Instead ...

This lab teaches important basic chemistry skills in the context of utilizing renewable feedstocks. In a three-week series of experiments, students will synthesize biodiesel from peanut oil and determine the heat of combustion, density, and cloud point of their product. Students will then use this information to evaluate the viability of biodiesel when compared to petroleum diesel.

Physical ...