Contextualization
Organic Chemistry is a sub-discipline within Chemistry which studies carbon compounds and their reactions, such as their molecular structure, their physical and chemical properties, their composition, and derivatives. Within the scope of Organic Chemistry, our attention will be drawn to a specific group of compounds: ketones.
Ketones are chemical compounds characterized by having a functional group called ketonic group, made up of a carbon atom doubly linked to an oxygen atom and linked to two carbon atoms. Regarding nomenclature, ketones are generally named replacing the "-o" suffix from the hydrocarbon from which it's derived for "-one". Hence, a propane (C3H8) molecule, when transformed into a ketone, becomes propanone (C3H6O), which is best known as acetone.
Ketones nomenclature is of paramount importance, since it allows us to quickly identify the structural characteristics of these compounds and understand how they will answer different reactions. Besides, correct naming of organic compounds is essential so that scientific communication can take place clearly and without any ambiguity.
Ketones are highly relevant to several fields of knowledge, whether in biological processes or industrial applications. Within our own organism, for example, ketones have a relevant role: in the absence of carbohydrates, our body starts producing ketone bodies through lipolysis for energy, which is the process through which triglycerides accumulated in adipose tissue get broken down, thus releasing glycerol and fatty acids.
Beyond the scope of organism, the best known ketone, acetone, is used by the industry on a large scale. It is used as solvent for countless products, such as paints, varnishes, lacquers, and glues, as well as being a key component for the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, drugs, and several other chemicals.
If you wish to delve more deeply into the matter, we suggest a few reliable references:
- McMurry, J. "Organic Chemistry". 8th ed. Cengage Learning, 2011.
- Brasil Escola: Ketones
- Mundo Educação: Ketones
Practical activity - "Codename: Ketone"
Objective of the activity
The purpose of this project is to further the understanding of the students on ketones nomenclature and how important they are in the industry and biological processes. Students will have to work together as a team, improving skills on collaboration, communication and time management.
Activity detailed description
The activity will be divided into two parts: a survey on the application of a ketone chosen by the group, called "Codename: Ketone", and a production of a teaching material dealing with ketones nomenclature.
Part 1: Codename: Ketone
Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, will have to choose a ketone of their own interest and make a comprehensive research on this ketone. They must study the applications of this ketone in everyday products, in industry, and medicine, as well as in biological processes and other relevant topics.
Part 2: Teaching Material on Ketones Nomenclature
Whilst carrying out the survey proposed in Part 1, the group will also have to develop a teaching material containing the explanation on ketones nomenclature. Such material may be a poster, a digital slide presentation, an animation, or any other type/format the students may think will be more interesting. It must contain practical examples from the chosen ketone nomenclature from "Codename: Ketone".
Students are encouraged to be creative and to make use of digital resources to improve their presentations. Additionally, this teaching material has to be clear, accurate, and engaging in order to help other classmates to learn more about the subject.
Required materials
- Internet browsing for research
- Slide editing software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.), or any other that the group chooses to use for their teaching material.
Step-by-step instructions to carry out the activity
- Students will get into groups with 3 to 5 members
- Choosing a ketone which will be central to the project, "Codename: Ketone"
- Carrying out a thorough research on the chosen ketone, aiming at understanding its application within everyday products, in industry, medicine, and other relevant subjects
- At the same time as the research is being made, the team must start working on the teaching material for ketones nomenclature
- Production of the final teaching material, including practical examples on the chosen ketone nomenclature from "Codename: Ketone"
- Preparing a presentation detailing the research and the teaching material built.
Project Deliverables
1. Written report
After the practical activity is finished, students will draft a report covering the four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusion, and Bibliography used.
At the Introduction, the report shall present the subject in its context, its relevance and application in the real world, besides the objective of this project.
At the Development part, the report must present the theoretical basis for the central subject of the project (Ketones and Nomenclature), explain in detail the carried out activity, specify the methodology used and, finally, demonstrate and discuss the outcomes obtained.
During the Conclusion part, the report must present a summary of its main contents, making a clear statement on what was learned and the conclusions drawn from the project.
Finally, the Bibliography part will include the list of sources used for the development of the project such as books, websites, videos, among others.
2. Project Presentation
Teams must schedule a slot to present their project to the rest of the class, explaining the research and showing the created teaching material. The presentation will take around 10 to 15 minutes, and will be followed by a Q&A session.
