Hutchison, James E., Kenneth M. Doxsee, Scott M. Reed, Marvin G. Warner, Robert D. Gilbertson and W. Brad Wan. THE GREEN CHEMISTRY LABORATORY CURRICULUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Department of Chemistry, 1253 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403 (hutch@oregon.uoregon.edu)
Green synthesis and manufacturing methods are beginning to find application in industry, however, few examples of green chemistry experiments are available for use in undergraduate teaching labs. We have developed a two-term series of experiments and supporting lecture materials for the organic chemistry teaching labs based upon the recent advances in green chemical methods. We will describe the curriculum and present the approach that we took in selecting, testing and optimizing the lab experiments for this course. In addition, the advantages of this curriculum will be emphasized, including improved laboratory safety, reduced wastestream, more realistic macroscale reactions, use of state-of-the-art green chemical concepts (e.g. recycling, hazard reduction, solvent reduction), and a platform for discussion of environmental issues in the classroom.