Inorganic 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 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 is designed to be used in both a descriptive inorganic and an advanced inorganic chemistry course. In the descriptive course, the module is applicable when the oxidizing power of the halogens is discussed along with general coordination geometry involving macrocyclic ligands. The phaseout of gaseous chlorine and chlorine dioxide in favor of greener reactants would be an appropriate topic of discussion. In the advanced inorganic course, the module is useful when discussing reaction mechanisms and the effects of ligands upon oxidizing ability of coordination complexes. The module focuses on the history and environmental impact of papermaking, as well as the chemistry behind traditional bleaching methods and the use of TAML activators with hydrogen peroxide as an alternative. It covers the papermaking process, environmental concerns related to traditional bleaching methods, the environmental advantages of TAML technology, and its potential applications.

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.