| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Total Authors: 3
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| Affiliation: | [1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Chem, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
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| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Journal of Chemical Education; v. 98, n. 12, p. 3962-3967, DEC 14 2021. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 0 |
| Abstract | |
We report on a distance learning experimental project for chemistry-major students on the synthesis of ethyl dodecanoate (C11CO2Et), a model for biodiesel, considering green chemistry principles. Thus, we employed a recyclable acid catalyst (an ionic liquid) and used chemometrics and microwave heating (MW) to maximize reaction yield and reduce energy consumption. Acid-catalyzed esterification is an equilibrium that can be shifted to products by controlling reaction conditions. Of these, the students selected reaction time (t) and the molar ratio (ethanol/dodecanoic acid; chi EtOH/C11CO2H); these were varied using the design of experiment (DOE) statistical method. We demonstrated that the C11CO2Et yield depends more on t than on chi EtOH/C11CO2H.Relative to convection heating, the use of MW resulted in a better ester yield and less power consumption. To enhance the participation of the students, we stopped the video presentation of the experiment and asked them how to proceed to the next step (e.g., product separation; catalyst recycling). The students gave group seminars on themes related to green chemistry (nonconventional energy sources, recycling, etc.). This project introduces green chemistry principles in the undergraduate laboratory, while being safe and low-cost, and generates very little waste. <comment>Superscript/Subscript Available</comment (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 14/22136-4 - Use of green solvents and their mixtures for optimizing chemical processes |
| Grantee: | Omar Abou El Seoud |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |