The course is intended to increase the student’s awareness about the impact of chemical processes on society and the environment. In the frame of accepting the challenge of a modern sustainable chemistry, at the end of the course the student will be able to critically and independently analyze each component of a chemical process, including reactants, solvent, reaction conditions, etc.
Course Prerequisites
The students attending this course should have a good knowledge of organic chemistry, with particular regards to the reactivity of the main functional groups and to the basic techniques adopted in the manipulation of organic molecules.
Teaching Methods
Lectures based on PowerPoint presentations and supplements about relevant topics on the blackboard.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination with grade (up to 30/30). The exam will focus on the different topics covered during the course (one question for each of the issues discussed) and will be aimed at ascertaining the knowledge acquired and the ability to critically evaluate a chemical process according to the principles of Green Chemistry.
Texts
Slides used during the lectures
Contents
The course (6 credits) will focus on the following topics: * Introduction: Sustanable development and the birth of Green Chemistry; the twelve principles of Green Chemistry and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; Agenda 2030). * How to evaluate a chemical reaction; introduction to Green Chemistry Metrics. * Ecosustainable approaches: - Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis (supported catalysts). - The role of organocatalysis and biocatalysis (main aspects) in ecosustainable chemistry. - Micro-wave heating; ultrasound-assisted processes; mechanochemical synthesis; photochemical synthesis and photocatalysis; electrochemical synthesis. * Alternative solvents for ecosustainable processes (ionic liquids, perfluorinated solvents, supercritical fluids, solvent-free conditions). * The role of biomass for the production of chemicals. * Innovative technologies for green chemistry: multi-component processes; reactions under continuous flow conditions.
The ultimate goal of the course is to provide the student with the necessary tools for the analysis and the assessment of a chemical process, according to the principles of sustainable development and green chemistry.
