Preparo da para-cloroanilina: um experimento simples, rápido e barato

Experiments simple, short and efficient for experimental disciplines in undergraduate courses in Chemistry are an excellent opportunity for students to consolidate the learning of theoretical concepts in classical chemical transformations. The use of a safe reagent, of low cost and easy access is the motivation for this communication, that describes the use of trichloroisocyanuric acid - a chlorinating agent used in the treatment of swimming pool water - for the chlorination of acetanilide, an intermediate in the preparation of para-chloroaniline.

Uma estratégia adaptada para síntese de magnetita

Chemical reactions in the solid state are often not included in undergraduate chemistry curricula, due to requirements for special laboratory facilities such as ovens and precision weighing balances. This work aims to describe novel and relatively simple magnetite chemical syntheses in dry medium, which could also be used as an alternative for freshmen chemistry experiments. The proposed reaction was carried out in a muffle furnace by heating (i) a sol-gel preparation and (ii) natural hematite, under nitrogen atmosphere at 400 ºC. The synthesized magnetite was characterized with powder X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Results show that magnetite samples have chemical properties as well as crystalline structure quite similar to those of standard natural magnetite.

Do isolamento à síntese da convolutamidina A

Convolutamydine A is a member of a family of oxindole alkaloids isolated from the Floridian marine bryozan Amathia convoluta in 8.6x10-6 % yield. This compound is interesting as it has been described in the literature to have significant pharmacological activity. When bioactive substances are isolated in low yields, such as in the case of convolutamydine A, the use of synthetic organic chemistry to prepare larger quantities of these substances is necessary. This paper describes the isolation, structural characterization and synthesis of convolutamydine A, using readily available reagents and reaction conditions that may be applied in any organic chemistry undergraduate laboratory course.

O ensino de reações orgânicas usando química computacional: I. reações de adição eletrofílica a alquenos

Basic concepts that play an important role in some organic reactions are revisited in this paper, which reports a pedagogical experience involving undergraduate and graduate students. A systematic procedure has been applied in order to use widespread available computational tools. This paper aims to discuss the use of computers in teaching electrophilic addition reactions to alkenes. Two classical examples have been investigated: addition to non-conjugated alkenes and addition to conjugated dienes. The results were compared with those normally discussed in organic textbooks. Several important concepts, such as conformational analysis and energy control (kinetic and thermodynamic) involved in reaction mechanisms can be taught more efficiently if one connects theoretical and practical tools.

Construindo o conhecimento através de projetos de trabalho: uma experiência no curso de química da universidade estadual de Santa Cruz

In this work, we describe a pedagogical experiment using work projects in chemistry undergraduate programs in general chemistry and inorganic chemistry courses making learning more dynamic and consolidating the link between students and the external community. We highlight as fundamental outcomes the improvement in the learning process and, above all, the active participation of the students in investigation and problem-solving activities.

Extração de β-caroteno de cenouras: uma proposta para disciplinas experimentais de química

This paper reports on the development of a simple and fast procedure for β-carotene extraction from carrots and its quantification by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Carotenoids extracted from carrots may also be used as alternative reagents for TLC (thin layer chromatography) detection of natural compounds with antioxidant properties, replacing the commercial p.a. grade β-carotene. Although this reagent had around 10% b-carotene, it proved to be as efficient for TLC analysis as the commercial p.a. grade β-carotene. This practice is a useful alternative for teaching undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory classes.

Considerações sobre o papel da comunicação científica na educação em química

In the present work, we provide some considerations about the role of scientific communication in Chemistry Education. Such considerations may subsidize the development of communication in scientific language by Chemistry students. These considerations are based on information collected during a participatory research for the production of didactic material about scientific communication. The meetings were audio recorded and the contents of the participants' speeches were divided into categories. The category analysis supported the elaboration of the considerations.

Uso de scanner em espectrofotometria de absorção molecular: aplicação em experimento didático enfocando a determinação de ácido ascórbico

Quantitative analysis of colored substances is generally performed using a spectrophotometer for detection of radiation. However, the combination of digital images and mathematical conversion of colors is an alternative for quantitative procedures based on colored chemical reactions. This work proposes a didactic experiment using a scanner for determination of ascorbic acid in medicines based on the formation of the Prussian blue complex. Results were in good agreement with a conventional spectrophotometer method and the procedure is attractive for instrumental analysis undergraduate courses.

Conceitos de química dos ingressantes nos cursos de graduação do Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo

A diagnostic instrument was developed to evaluate the basic chemistry concepts held by freshmen students of the three Chemistry undergraduate courses offered by the University of São Paulo. The instrument minimizes the use of algorithms or memorization by students and values high-order cognitive skills. Analysis of the students' performances reveals systematic use of "displacement reaction" as an algorithm and a mechanical use of Le Chatelier's Principle. Failure in comprehending the chemical equation and chemical language drives students to alternative models for chemical reactions in aqueous solution. For instance, reaction would occur between "ionic pairs" and/or between species situated in separate compartments.

Cloração do anisol, tolueno e nitrobenzeno com ácido tricloroisocianúrico (ATCI): aspectos computacionais sobre a reatividade e regiosseletividade

We present in this educational article a theoretical analysis based on DFT/B3LYP 6-311++G (d,p) and ab initio MP2/6-311++G(d,p) computational calculation about the reactivity and the regioselectivity on the chlorination reaction of anisole, toluene and nitrobenzene, using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TICA) as donor of Cl+. The H.O.M.O. / L.U.M.O. energy and N.B.O. atomic charges of various aromatic systems were calculated in ab initio level. The energies of the reagents and intermediaries were calculated using D.F.T.. These results have been presented as a quantitative example for the S E A mechanism, in the undergraduate organic chemistry disciplines.

Avaliação de uma proposta contextualizada sobre o ensino de polarimetria nos cursos de farmácia e engenharia de alimentos, na Universidade Federal do Ceará

This work deals with an evaluation of an experimental application about polarimetry for pharmacy and food engineering courses. Foods obtained from the undergraduate students were used for demonstrating multidisciplinary concepts and these concepts were associated to the teaching of polarimetry. According to the results, the benefits of the contextualization are beyond the class and the undergraduating students became interested in control of quality of foods. From these results, it can be concluded that the experimental emphasis given is valid and creates motivation and interest for learning physico-chemistry, in comparison with the traditional methodology applied to teach polarimetry.

Artigos científicos como recurso didático no ensino superior de Química

Chemistry teachers increasingly use research articles in their undergraduate courses. This trend arises from current pedagogical emphasis on active learning and scientific process. In this paper, we describe some educational experiences on the use of research articles in chemistry higher education. Additionally, we present our own conclusions on the use of such methodology applied to a scientific communication course offered to undergraduate chemistry students at the University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Recursos humanos para novos cenários

The Brazilian Chemical Society - SBQ has made substantial contributions to the formation of qualified human resources at all levels since its foundation in 1977. Several papers addressing this subject have been published in Quimica Nova by different authors over the last years. In this paper, we discuss the present need for "Curriculum Guidelines" for undergraduate education in Chemistry with actions to be taken in accord with the Principles of Green Chemistry and Sustainability.

Preparação do (+)-±-terpineol a partir do (+)-limoneno: monoterpenos de odor agradável em um projeto para química orgânica experimental

A synthesis of (+)-±-terpineol from (+)-limonene was proposed as a project for undergraduate organic laboratory course. Terpineol is a useful flavor and fragrance compound, and several aspects of this preparation are suited for experimental organic classes, including basic techniques for extraction and analyses of essential oils, different reaction types and the possibility of a high degree of student interest.

Aceite de almendras dulces: extracción, caracterización y aplicación

The extraction of sweet almond oil at room temperature and reflux is an easy and accessible procedure to obtain natural oil in a laboratory scale for undergraduates' courses in chemistry and related areas. In this paper we show how the utilization of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy can be interesting in the qualitative analysis of these oils. We also propose the preparation of three different skin creams to demonstrate the effective uses of sweet almond oil in cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields.