Slide 1 1 hr., the microwave experiment is much more environmentally benign as a process [2]. This can actually be improved upon by removing the solvent that was used during the microwave experiment [4]. This has actually been shown by Hendrix college to work. A simple experiment was run using a diene and a dieneophile heated for 15 minutes at 90 C [4]. This is a simplistic experiment that would provide an even more sustainable process. Figure 1: analysis of metrics to determine greenness of a process. [3] I think this should be a requirement for all chemistry classes It is comforting to know that schools are expanding the lesson plan for organic chemistry to teach students about green chemistry. Its very informative and makes students aware of greener alternatives to reduce waste or use chemicals that are less harmful to our environment.">

There has been a lot of work done to further the green chemistry movement at TWU; however, there is still a daunting task before us. Even with that knowledge, professors and students alike are working hard to further the green chemistry agenda at TWU: Working to join the green chemistry commitment Researching and looking to spearhead a curriculum change that will use products synthesized by students in subsequent labs, effectively reducing new chemical usage and lowering the costs of the labs. Working to integrate microwave chemistry into the organic laboratory experiments, as well as other undergraduate labs. Charting a Green Path Ahead: Texas Womans Universitys Journey to Sustainability David Caltrider, Emily Springer, & Dr. Richard D. Sheardy Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry What We Have Done What We are Doing What We are Planning Reception by Students Since the inception of Texas Womans Universitys new Ann Stuart Science Complex, there has been a conscious, ongoing effort to increase our environmental awareness and sustainability practices, as well as instructing students in green chemistry methodologies and best practices. Built a state of the art science building with built in fume hoods eliminating hazardous gas/vapor exposure and increasing student safety. TWU through its electric provider, Denton Municipal Electric, purchases 40% green or renewable energy from wind power for the Denton Campus Specific to the organic chemistry laboratories: miniscale experiments are run to cut back on large quantities of waste, solvent usage, and excess chemicals being used. Bought rotary evaporators for the students to work with, thus minimizing energy usage, reducing the need for multiple processes, minimizing glassware washing, and reducing overall solvent usage. Students in the organic chemistry laboratory were asked to complete a short survey to measure the extent of their enjoyment of the integrated curriculum, as well as there willingness to take a course over green chemistry, sustainability, or toxicology. The results are as follows: This task of becoming sustainable is one that needs constant attention and dedication. As such, we have implemented numerous ideas and aspects of green chemistry just this semester: There is an ongoing effort to incorporate the 12 principles of green chemistry into the organic chemistry laboratory curriculum Work has been done to evaluate the greenness of the general chemistry curriculum. This was done by examining the current experiments that are run and then suggesting alternative experiments that are more environmentally friendly, which still fulfill the same objectives as the classical approach. Our local ACS chapter is seeking a green chemistry award distinction to become a certified green chapter In the organic chemistry lab here is a constant, ongoing effort to examine literature to find viable alternative experiments that can be done in a greener more sustainable manner, this includes utilizing the new microwave that was purchased for use in the undergraduate laboratories. Acknowledgements Future Research and Work Engage the community: There is a dire need to inform the community about what we as educators are trying to do. Develop and implement processes that will reduce the overall waste of the laboratories at TWU. Implement green chemistry curriculum into current and future courses beyond the organic chemistry laboratory course. Build on previous work to improve the future. The authors thank the SENCER Center for Innovation Southwest (Denton, TX), The National Center for Science Education and Civic Engagement (Washington, DC) and the National Science Foundation for the support and encouragement of this project. Photoreduction of Benzophenone to Benzopinacol Abstract Three years ago Texas Womans University took to heart the American Chemical Societys goal to become completely sustainable within 150 years. Ever since then, we as a university have been working toward a more environmentally friendly, sustainable laboratory environment. This semester, more time is being devoted to this goal. We have successfully completed a semester of organic chemistry using numerous green experiments, begun integrating discussion topics and green chemistry curriculum into the organic chemistry laboratory, are working toward being recognized by the ACS as a green chemistry chapter, integrating microwave chemistry into different chemistry courses and faculty research, and formulating a path towards our ultimate goalcomplete sustainability. Faculty and students are committed to this goal in an unprecedented manner. Our hope is to become an institution that other universities look to as a role model and leader of how to become sustainable and environmentally conscious, without sacrificing scientific education. Microwave Chemistry Texas Womans University has purchased a new microwave for faster, less energy intensive, and overall greener reaction applications. During this semester our students ran two different Diels Alder reactions and a third was performed using the microwave. Here are the results from all three experiments: Example Green Experiment This reaction is an intermolecular hydrogen abstraction reaction that begins with the photo excitation of benzophenone. A radical is formed and transferred. The dimethyl ketyl radical that is formed from the sunlight dimerizes forming the benzopinacol. This is a brilliant reaction that has a simple procedure that can be done in any laboratory. When this experiment was run in our laboratory, the waste was near zero and yields were high. By using the sunlight as a catalyst and no other stoichiometric reagents this experiment is inherently green. References This graph depicts the students attitudes towards learning about green chemistry. The sample size for this graph was all 85 students currently enrolled in the organic chemistry II laboratory course. When asked, an overwhelming 83% of students were either satisfied or very satisfied with the addition of the green chemistry curriculum. Figure 2: pie chart of student responses to question #1 Figure 3: Sample question #2 from survey given to students. 2. Please rate your level of agreement with the following aspects of the course: A The green chemistry information was informative and pertained to the course BLearning about the different facets of green chemistry was interesting CThe green chemistry material was new D You would be willing to take a course over green chemistry, sustainability, or toxicology EThe green chemistry information provided a different perspective to traditional chemistry 1. Huffman, Lauren M., Lallie C. McKenzie, and James E. Hutchison. "Diels- Alder Reaction in Water." Feb. 2004. Lecture. 2. Aken, Koen, Lucjan Strekowski, and Luc Patiny. "EcoScale, a semi-quantitative tool to select an organic preparation based on economical and ecological parameters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Mar. 2006. Web. 1 Apr. 2014. 1 hr., the microwave experiment is much more environmentally benign as a process [2]. This can actually be improved upon by removing the solvent that was used during the microwave experiment [4]. This has actually been shown by Hendrix college to work. A simple experiment was run using a diene and a dieneophile heated for 15 minutes at 90 C [4]. This is a simplistic experiment that would provide an even more sustainable process. Figure 1: analysis of metrics to determine greenness of a process. [3] I think this should be a requirement for all chemistry classes It is comforting to know that schools are expanding the lesson plan for organic chemistry to teach students about green chemistry. Its very informative and makes students aware of greener alternatives to reduce waste or use chemicals that are less harmful to our environment.