Green Chemistry: Design for Benign

Green Chemistry by definition strives to prevent pollution from the very beginning of a chemical process; however, this course will strive to teach much more. We will emphasize that "chemists should have a moral or Hippocratic oath to the practice of their trade; one that states "first, do no harm1." As a result, students will examine ways to critically evaluate the design of chemicals for safe manufacture and use by industry and individual households. We will look to the past to learn from previous mistakes (ex. DDT, Thalidomide, Bisphenol-A) and try to understand and mitigate the unintended consequences of the chemicals we synthesize. The course will be an intensive collaborative laboratory experience where students not only learn, but practice the 12 principles of Green Chemistry and Engineering. In the laboratory, students will work on all aspects of a synthesis project with the goal of preparing a publication at the conclusion of the term. Students will also work to develop safe, clean, and environmentally friendly laboratory experiments for integration into an advanced high school or undergraduate general chemistry curriculum. Students will be required to read and utilize a significant amount of scientific literature in the course. Evaluations are based on participation in classes and labs, homework assignments, two projects, and a single exam.