Industrial Chemistry

This module is part of a collection of nine green chemistry teaching modules developed in the early 2000s by a team of faculty (Donna Narsavage-Heald, Trudy Dickneider, David Marx, Timothy Foley, Joan Wasilewski) led by Michael Cann at the University of Scranton and has been migrated to the GCTLC. The subjects of the modules are based on winners of the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. The modules were used to infuse green chemistry across the curriculum (courses: general chemistry, organic, advanced organic, biochemistry, environmental, industrial, polymer, inorganic, toxicology). Infusion of green chemistry across the curriculum provides students the understanding that green chemistry is not a field unto itself but impacts all areas of chemistry. Having been exposed to many green chemistry examples students are likely to think green in their ensuing careers. The resources are provided as is in their original form, for reference and archival purposes. Therefore, some of the material may no longer be current, and some links may no longer be active. An interesting project would be to update the material in this module.

This module was developed for use in industrial chemistry. It may also be useful to introduce green chemistry into both polymer and organic chemistry courses. The industrial module provides an in-depth exploration of the industrial chemistry involved in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used polyester polymer. It covers various aspects, including the starting materials derived from crude oil, the processes of refining and reforming, the synthesis of PET monomers (ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate), and the polymerization reaction to produce PET. Additionally, it discusses the challenges associated with PET production, such as environmental concerns and the development of recycling technologies like Dupont's Petretec process, aimed at addressing these issues. Throughout the module, key concepts like chemical reactions, process mechanisms, and the economic and environmental impacts of PET production are highlighted.

Major funding for this project came from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant Program in the Chemical Sciences. The ACS/EPA Green Chemistry Educational Materials Development Project and the University of Scranton provided additional funding.

This module is also available in Spanish and Portuguese versions.