A natureza pedagógica da experimentação: uma pesquisa na licenciatura em química

In this paper we discuss the characteristics of experimental activities described by teachers and students in a teaching credentials course in Chemistry. The research pointed out a set of characteristics that seem to favor the learning process: the bringing up of the student's knowledge; the mediation by peers; the dialogue to set out the student's knowledge; the debate; the validation of arguments; the discussion about the context. The authors argument that, because of the empirical view of Science present in Chemistry courses, the discussion about the nature of Science is important.

Laboratório químico-prático do Rio de Janeiro: primeira tentativa de difusão da Química no Brasil (1812- 1819)

Until the present date, historians of science have described inaccurately the first laboratory created in Brazil for establishing and divulging Chemistry, namely the "Laboratório Químico-Prático do Rio de Janeiro". During recent research carried out in the Arquivo do Museu Imperial (Petrópolis, RJ), I localized a document entitled "Ensaio histórico analítico das operações do Laboratório Químico-Prático do Rio de Janeiro", which allowed me to gain the relevant information to correct some of the observations made in the first chronicles.

A química na educação da Princesa Isabel

The private archive of the Brazilian Imperial Family holds a wealth of little known documents about the education of the daughters of Emperor D. Pedro II, especially of the eldest, Isabel, Princess Imperial. Science, particularly chemistry, for which her father had a particular fondness, occupied an important place in the girl's education. The study of these documents sheds a new light on the contrast between female education in the country in general, during most of the 19th century, and the careful upbringing envisaged by the Emperor for his future successor.

Caracterização química do óleo da amêndoa de Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naud

This paper describes total lipid content, unsaponifiable fraction and the acid, refractive, saponification and iodine indices of the oil of Sterculia striata nuts. The fatty acids, the sterols and the triterpene alcohols were determined. The percentage of cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), determined by NMR ¹H (15,5%), makes the nuts of this species unsuitable for human consumption.

Esquizofrenia: quarenta anos da hipótese dopaminérgica sob a ótica da Química Medicinal

Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric illness that affects 1-2% of the world population and continues as a challenge to neuroscience. In this work, we describe an account about the historical evolution of the dopaminergic hypothesis of schizophrenia discussing, from the medicinal chemistry point of view all different classes of antipsychotic drugs, emphasizing the rational design, structure activity relationships (SAR) and physico-chemical properties related with its molecular mechanism of action.

Adaptação no método do peso da gota para determinação da tensão superficial: um método simplificado para a quantificação da CMC de surfactantes no ensino da química

The discussion based on surfactant cleaning action is commonly used in chemistry classrooms for the comprehension of theoretical concepts related to surface tension and micelle formation. The experimental quantification of surface tension of aqueous solutions of surfactants provides the practical instruments for this discussion. The present paper describes a simplification on the common apparatus employed for the drop-weight method, making the determination of surface tension accessible to any chemistry lab. The surface tension of various liquids and the critical micelle concentration, CMC, of three commercial surfactants were measured with this modified method, and proved to be consistent with literature values.

Análise química de sais de cobre fabricados entre 1877 e 1995

Samples of copper compounds covering all of the XXth century and the end of the XIXth century were submitted to classical and instrumental quantitative analysis. The amount of impurities greatly decreased with time, reaching a constant level since the 1960's. The gravimetric method was suitable for the determination of copper although other procedures also gave good or reasonable results. However, for metal contaminants, atomic absorption spectrometry was the best choice because of its lower detection limits, being able to determine several elements in the oldest samples. Ion chromatography detected several anions in copper salts manufactured before the 1950's. An increasing quality of raw materials and a better sensitivity of analytical methods led to quality improvement of copper compounds with time.

Sínteses química e enzimática de peptídeos: princípios básicos e aplicações

This review begins with a brief discussion of the biological importance and chemical features of peptides. A description of the existing synthetic methods follows with emphasis on the basic aspects of the chemical and enzymatic syntheses. Techniques used to purify and characterize the synthesized peptides are also discussed. Finally, a few applications of the final products in chemistry, biochemistry, immunology and medicine are presented, such as identification and quantification of naturally occurring peptides, inspection of structure-activity relationships, therapeutics, development and/or improvement of analytical techniques and search for new vaccines.

Experimentos simples usando fotometria de chama para ensino de princípios de espectrometria atômica em cursos de química analítica

The purpose of this paper is the development of simple strategies to teach basic concepts of atomic spectrometry. Metals present in samples found in the daily lives of students are determined by flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES). FAES is an accurate, precise, and inexpensive analytical method often used for determining sodium, potassium, lithium, and calcium. Historical aspects and their contextualization for students are also presented and experiments with samples that do not require pre-treatment are described.

Biodiesel de soja: taxa de conversão em ésteres etílicos, caracterização físico-química e consumo em gerador de energia

Biodiesel was produced by the transesterification of neutral soybean oil and anhydrous ethanol using NaOH as catalyst. Combinations of biodiesel and diesel in the proportions of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% were tested, respectively, as fuel in an energy generator. The average consumption and mixture performance were analysed. The tests showed a reduction in Diesel oil consumption when mixed with up to 20% of biodiesel. The quality characteristics of these fuels were analyzed.

Um paradigma da química medicinal: a flexibilidade dos ligantes e receptores

In general, molecular modeling techniques applied in medicinal chemistry have been static and drug based. However the active site geometry and the intrinsic flexibility of both receptor and ligand are fundamental properties for molecular recognition and drug action. As a consequence, the use of dynamic models to describe the ligand-receptor complex is becoming a more common procedure. In this work we discuss the relevance of considering the receptor structure in medicinal chemistry studies as well as the flexibility of the ligand-receptor complex.

Desenvolvimento sustentável e química verde

The world is in a process of awakening with respect to the environment. Our society has started to recognize that the environment is one of our largest resources and has begun legally enforce its protection. In Brazil, the environmental law is constitutionally guaranteed. International treaties have been signed, amongst them the Agenda 21 which is a commitment to sustainable development. Green Chemistry is a strategy that helps make this commitment. The literature presents many examples of studies of the application of Green Chemistry philosophy. In this paper we will present some points that we believe to be important and promising.

Extração de pigmentos das sementes de Bixa orellana L.: uma alternativa para disciplinas experimentais de química orgânica

This paper describes methodologies for the extraction and characterization by TLC, UV-VIS, IR and NMR of bixin from Bixa orellana L. (urucum) seeds. Based on the results, the extraction with NaOH 5% is the fastest, uses low-cost materials, requires two to four laboratory hours and is a useful alternative for an experimental Organic Chemistry discipline.

A formação profissional do técnico em química: caracterização das origens e necessidades atuais

This work reports the situation of technicians employed in chemical industries in Curitiba city, working in chemistry and related fields. The aim of this study is to characterize not only their work conditions, but also their social, economic, professional and educational profiles.

O ensino de química quântica e o computador na perspectiva de projetos

This paper aims to discuss and reflect about the use of computers in the teaching of Quantum Chemistry. A course on Computational Quantum Chemistry concentrating on Medicinal Chemistry projects was developed for undergraduate and graduate students. The results showed that students got more motivated and involved when there is an articulation between theory and practice. This work presents an alternative way to teach Theoretical Chemistry using projects.