Contextualization

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that have a carboxyl functional group (-COOH) and are extremely present in our daily lives, in various components such as food, medicines, and plastics. Their chemical and physical properties, such as acidity, taste, and odor, are strongly influenced by the presence of this functional group.

In nature, we find carboxylic acids in different forms. Acetic acid, for example, gives vinegar its characteristic sour taste. Citric acid is present in many citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Lactic acid is what causes the burning sensation in muscles during intense physical exercises.

Introduction

Organic chemistry is a division of chemistry that studies carbon compounds and their reactions, where carboxylic acids are a very important class. The nomenclature of carboxylic acids, or any other class of organic compounds, is essential to ensure clear and precise communication among chemists. Correct nomenclature allows scientists to build an accurate mental image of the molecular structure of a compound.

The name of a carboxylic acid usually ends in '-oic acid' in English and '-óico' in Portuguese and is preceded by a prefix indicating the number of carbons in the carbon chain. But there is also the trivial nomenclature, based on natural sources or properties of the acids, which is still commonly used.

Learning about nomenclature is just one part of studying carboxylic acids; it is also essential to understand the physical and chemical properties, uses and applications, reactions involving these acids, and the role they play in our daily lives.

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

The World of Carboxylic Acids: Nomenclature, Properties, and Applications

Project Objective:

To develop an in-depth understanding of carboxylic acids, focusing on nomenclature, properties, and applications, and present this information in a fun and interesting way to the rest of the class.

Detailed Project Description:

Groups of students, formed by 3 to 5 members, will dive into the fascinating world of carboxylic acids. Each group will investigate a different carboxylic acid, conducting in-depth research on its properties and daily uses, while delving into the nomenclature.

The groups will produce an educational video, using creative elements to explain the nomenclature of the investigated carboxylic acid, as well as its properties, uses, and connections to the real world.

Students should also create a simulation or experiment that demonstrates a property of the investigated acid. This can be done using everyday materials or chemical simulation software, depending on availability.

Finally, students will create a game, puzzle, or quiz to review the nomenclature of carboxylic acids.

Required Materials:

• Books and online materials for research.
• Materials for video creation (can be a phone with a camera, computer with webcam, or other recording and editing equipment).
• Materials for conducting the experiment or simulation.
• Platform for creating the game/quiz (can be Kahoot, Google Forms, or even a physical board game).

Detailed Step-by-Step:

1. Group Formation and Choice of Carboxylic Acid: Each group must choose a carboxylic acid to study. The choices should be different among the groups. The teacher can assist in choosing the acids to ensure a variety of examples.

2. Research and Study: Students should conduct in-depth research on the chosen acid, focusing on its nomenclature, properties, and daily uses.

3. Video Creation: Students will script, film, and edit a creative and educational video explaining the nomenclature of the carboxylic acid, its properties, and uses. The video should be planned to be understood by both their classmates and people without prior knowledge in chemistry.

4. Simulation/Experiment: Students should create a simulation or experiment that shows a property of the investigated acid. The experiment should be safe, and students should explain in the video the step-by-step process and the results obtained, explaining the chemistry behind them.

5. Game/Quiz Creation: To further engage their classmates, students will create a game, puzzle, or quiz about the nomenclature of carboxylic acids.

6. Writing the Written Document: In parallel with the video, simulation, and game creation, students should write a document detailing the process. The document should contain an introduction explaining the chosen carboxylic acid and its relevance, a detailed development of the project, the conclusions drawn, and the bibliography used. It is important for students to pay attention to the language used, which should be clear, precise, and consistent with the expected level of knowledge for their grade.

7. Final Presentation: Each group will present their video, demonstrate their simulation/experiment, and conduct their game/quiz for the class during a presentation session. Each presentation should last about 30 minutes.

Project Deliverables:

At the end of the project, each group must deliver:

• Educational video about the chosen carboxylic acid;
• Record of the experiment or simulation conducted;
• Game, puzzle, or quiz about the nomenclature of carboxylic acids;
• Written document detailing the process, following the structure of Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

These deliverables should demonstrate the students' understanding of the nomenclature, properties, and applications of carboxylic acids, as well as their research skills, teamwork, time management, and communication abilities.