New Leaf Organic Chemistry Modules | “Plug and Play” Modules for Green and Sustainable Organic Chemistry Education

Abstract

This set of "plug and play" modules (website, SCORM12, pptx) covers essential organic chemistry topics while allowing students to explore how organic chemistry can relate to toxicity, sustainability, and renewable resources. Each module is a stand-alone introductory lesson that can be used to enhance or replace existing organic chemistry teaching materials. We recommend pairing all modules with Module 0 “Introduction to Organic Chemistry,” which introduces the relevant philosophy and metrics of green chemistry. The entire set can also be used as an introduction to organic chemistry course and includes an additional question bank. These modules are designed for students with varying levels of chemistry experience, and they include the following topics: structure and properties, intermolecular forces, stereochemistry, redox, and retrosynthetic analysis.

Module 0 “Introduction to Organic Chemistry” sets up an introduction to basic organic chemistry and covers methods of measuring how green a reaction is. This module is an approachable introduction to organic chemistry concepts for high school, first-year or second-year students.

Module 1 “Structure and Properties” provides a comprehensive overview of how structure relates to function. It covers intermolecular forces, functional groups, and how these relate to polarity, solubility, and toxicity. Suitable for any introductory organic chemistry courses at the first- or second-year level.

Module 2 “Stereochemistry” explores stereochemistry and isomers, while touching on real-life examples of these topics. Diastereomers, enantiomers, and constitutional isomers are explained in-depth with many opportunities to practice these concepts. Suitable for high school, first-year, or second-year students in any introductory chemistry course.

Module 3 “Nucleophilic Substitution and Addition” builds upon any introductory organic chemistry course to discuss nucleophilic substitution reactions, Michael additions, and applications to reactions with enzymes. Suitable for students that have completed an introductory organic chemistry course that covers the basics of substitution reactions.

Module 4 “Oxidation and Reduction” covers Lewis structures and introductory redox chemistry of organic compounds. These concepts are discussed in relation to applications of biomass. This module can provide an introduction or review of these concepts to high school, first-year, or second-year students.

Module 5 “Retrosynthetic Analysis” takes an introductory look at retrosynthetic analysis, which is a way to think of strategies for how to make molecules. Emphasis on how to look for motifs, make disconnections, suggest synthons and reagents, and propose reaction schemes. Suitable as an introduction to retrosynthetic reactions for upper-level undergraduate students who have completed at least one introductory organic chemistry course and have knowledge of several types of organic reactions.