Green chemistry addresses environmental concerns in the teaching laboratory and increases awareness in the possible harmful effect of chemical reagents. Laboratory experiments that eliminate or reduce the use of organic solvents or toxic reagents and still produce efficient reactions are becoming increasingly available (see Haack et al. J. Chem. Educ. 2005  , 82, 974 and references therein). We will describe a two-week experiment that may be incorporated into an advanced organic chemistry laboratory that enhances student interest, knowledge and techniques in organic chemistry, while fomenting the development of socially responsible citizens. One goal of this experiment is to perform an oxidation reaction that uses environmentally friendly, non-hazardous, and cost effective reactants. A second objective is to introduce circular dichroism spectroscopy, a powerful analytical technique typically overlooked in the undergraduate curriculum.  The students also gain experience in IR and NMR spectroscopy as well as in GC-Mass Spectrometry.

Green oxidation of menthol enantiomers and analysis by circular dichroism spectroscopy: An advanced organic chemistry laboratory

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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