Resumen de Greener Oxidation of Benzhydrol: Evaluating Three Oxidation Procedures in the Organic Laboratory
In one lab period, students individually conduct one of three published green oxidation reactions of benzhydrol. Each method employs a different oxidant (potassium permanganate, sodium tungstate/hydrogen peroxide, or bleach) and requires approximately the same amount of time to complete. In a subsequent lab period, using a combination of TLC, IR spectroscopy, and GC, students work in teams to compile results and determine the average yield and purity, cost, amount of waste, and greenness of the oxidation method that was performed. Ultimately, the three methods are compared to determine whether one method is superior to another in each of the categories listed above.
