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Process Development in the Teaching Laboratory

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Leonard C. Klein and Susanne M. Dana

Roanoke Valley Governorâ€™s School of Science and Technology, 2104 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015

J. Chem. Educ., 1998, 75 (6), p 745

DOI: 10.1021/ed075p745

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 1998

Abstract

Many experiences in high school and undergraduate laboratories are well-tested cookbook recipes that have already been designed to yield optimal results; the well-known synthesis of aspirin is such an example. In this project for advanced placement or second-year high school chemistry students, students mimic the process development in industrial laboratories by investigating the effect of varying conditions in the synthesis of aspirin. The class decides on criteria that should be explored (quantity of catalyst, temperature of reaction, etc.). The class is then divided into several teams with each team assigned a variable to study. Each team must submit a proposal describing how they will explore the variable before they start their study. After data on yield and purity has been gathered and evaluated, students discuss which method is most desirable, based on their agreed-upon criteria. This exercise provides an opportunity for students to review many topics from the course (rate of reaction, limiting reagents, Beer's Law) while participating in a cooperative exercise designed to imitate industrial process development.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Organic Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Second-Year and AP Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Learning Theories

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Process Development as a Curriculum Component in Organic Chemistry Courses: Points of View from Academia and Industry
Marek T. Konieczny , Atsuhiko Zanka
Journal of Chemical Education2003 80 (3), 248
- Process Development as a Curriculum Component in Organic Chemistry Courses: Points of View from Academia and Industry
  Marek T. Konieczny , Atsuhiko Zanka
  Journal of Chemical Education2003 80 (3), 248
  The usefulness of process development as a curriculum component in organic chemistry courses and its potential impact on student education is discussed. Two possible ways of introducing elements of process development into the curriculum are suggested.
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