An Exercise in General, Organic and Biochemistry to Stress the Importance of Math Mindfulness and Critical Thinking to Nursing Students

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 27 (2022) pp 11-14

Synthesis, Characterization, and Processing of an Acrylic Thermoplastic: Radical Polymerization of Butyl Methacrylate

Matthew S. Baker,* Angela M. Frampton, Emma K. Kuczkowski, Domenick J. Palmieri

Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126, matthew.baker@oswego.edu
Received December 21, 2020. Accepted March 31, 2021.

Published: 19 May 2022

Abstract. A multi-faceted polymer chemistry learning experience is highlighted in this laboratory experiment, where students work in pairs to synthesize, purify, characterize, and process a polyacrylate. This synthesis is accomplished through a radical polymerization without the need for Schlenk flasks or other rigorous air-sensitive techniques. The target polymer in this lab, poly(butyl methacrylate), allows for the analysis of diverse proton NMR spectra. In addition, the long alkyl chain decreases the glass transition temperature of the resulting polymer, allowing for student exposure to polymer processing via an in-lab molding step. This experiment is designed for second-year undergraduate students, and critical concepts learned in organic chemistry, such as radical initiation, propagation, and termination, are reinforced. In addition, spectroscopic analyses such as ¹H NMR splitting patterns, ¹H NMR chemical shifts, and bond identification via IR are included. Furthermore, students are exposed to concepts that may not be covered in organic chemistry, such as polymer purification, characterization, and processing.

Key Words: KW Laboratories and Demonstrations; organic chemistry; second-year undergraduate; polymer chemistry; laboratory instruction; hands-on learning; alkenes; IR spectroscopy; NMR Spectroscopy

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: matthew.baker@oswego.edu )

Article in PDF format(230 KB) HTML

Supporting Materials:

Student experimental handout, student laboratory report outline, NMR and IR spectra, and instructor information. ( 790 KB)