Polymeric materials are immensely important to modern society. In fact, these materials are largely responsible for the high standard of living enjoyed by citizens of the developed world. In addition, most chemistry graduates at any level (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) work in industry in a polymer or polymer-related area. The Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society has belatedly recognized the importance of a treatment of polymeric materials as a part of B.S. training in an approved program. Such training is now a requirement for program approval. The requirement may be met in two ways. The first, and perhaps simplest, is to provide a stand-alone course in Polymer Chemistry. Alternatively, the elements of polymer chemistry may be distributed in courses across the curriculum. The beginning organic chemistry course is particularly appropriate for the inclusion of a treatment of polymeric materials. Vinyl polymerization is the most important societal/economic reaction of alkenes which are generally encountered relatively early in the first semester of the course. Discussion of these materials not only serves to introduce polymer structure and properties but to relate them to small molecule properties that the students have already encountered. Importantly, it promotes student awareness (surroundings, impact of polymeric materials on their daily lives, Wal-Mart shopping, important historical events, prominent scientists of the 20<sup>th</sup> century) and generates enthusiasm for the course. Later (second semester) when treating carboxylic acid derivatives, step-growth polymerization may be introduced. Again, there is a wealth of historical and biographical information that may be introduced to enhance student interest.

Polymeric materials in the beginning organic chemistry course

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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