Chemical recycling to monomer (CRM), controlled polymer reversion to its feedstock, is an ideal solution to post-consumer waste plastics. Certain polycarbonates have shown two CRM manifolds with some reverting to epoxides and CO2 and others to polymerizable trans-fused bicyclic carbonates. CRM also motivates deep engagement with open-ended research in an Organic II lab. Students across three sections worked in teams on two projects. One project targeted the synthesis of a previously unreported molecule via a Mannich reaction. The target molecule, metaled by aluminum, is a putative catalyst for cyclohexene oxide/CO2 copolymerization. The other project sought to replicate the sole reported synthesis of a specific cis-fused bicyclic carbonate, first synthesizing the SmI2 to be used for the intramolecular Pinacol coupling. Polymerization of the target molecule would be a first for any cis-fused bicyclic carbonate. Drawing directly from the primary literature, students worked in three different teams during the semester. They began on one project (6 weeks), moved to the other (4 weeks), and returned to their original project (4 weeks). Electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) were maintained in a cloud-based word processor. At project transitions, an ELN was passed to a group in a different section. Along with the many known benefits of course-based research, this structure sought to promote self-reflection on laboratory notebook practice. Project progress and qualitative reflection on course structure will be discussed.

Chemical recycling to monomer (CRM): Course-based research in an organic II lab

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.