Green Chemistry Decision-Making in an Upper-Level Undergraduate Organic Laboratory

Abstract

A self-directed independent synthesis experiment was developed for a third-year undergraduate organic laboratory. Students were provided with the CAS numbers of starting and target compounds and devised a synthetic plan to be executed over two 4.5 h laboratory periods. They consulted the primary literature in order to develop and carry out an azlactone synthesis incorporating green chemistry principles and techniques without detailed guidance from course instructors. Final products were analyzed via proton NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and melting point analysis to determine if students were successful in forming their assigned material. Extremely positive feedback about the experiment was collected and is presented.