Contextualization

Aromatic hydrocarbons are a special group of organic compounds whose distinctive property is the presence of at least one benzene ring within their structure. The first and simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, benzene, has a formula of C6H6. In this introduction, we will delve a little deeper into the understanding of these compounds, their characteristics, and applications.

Aromatic hydrocarbons are substances composed only of carbon and hydrogen. They acquire their aromatic properties through conjugated pi bonds that surround one or more rings in their structures. These bonds result in a special distribution of electronic charge that contributes to the stability of these compounds, making them less reactive than many simple hydrocarbons, but still capable of participating in a variety of chemical reactions that are industrially useful.

Now, you may be wondering: Why study aromatic hydrocarbons? What is their usefulness? The answer to that is simple: they are extremely important in the production of many materials we use daily. They are used in the manufacturing of a multitude of materials, including plastics, resins, synthetic rubbers, dyes, detergents, medications, and much more. However, despite their advantages, aromatic hydrocarbons also present some disadvantages. They can be toxic if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin, as well as harmful to the environment if not properly managed.

Introduction

In this project, we will explore the chemistry of aromatic hydrocarbons from various aspects, from theoretical to practical. Firstly, we will review the structure and properties of aromatic hydrocarbons, their nomenclature, and detection methods. Subsequently, we will learn about their industrial applications and everyday life.

Understanding these compounds is essential in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, where they play a fundamental role, often serving as building blocks for a range of products. To the world, these compounds bring enormous benefits and, unfortunately, risks as well. Therefore, it is essential that we learn to handle them properly, in order to make the most of their benefits and minimize their harm to the environment and human health.

Now, to start your studies, here are some sources that may help in understanding the topic:

1. Vibrant Organic Chemistry - Aromatic Hydrocarbons
2. Chemistry in Action - Aromatic Hydrocarbons
3. Chemistry Manual - Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring Aromatic Hydrocarbons: From Theory to Practice"

Project Objective:

The main objective of this project is to deepen the knowledge about aromatic hydrocarbons, their formation processes, reactions, industrial applications, and environmental and health impacts related to their use and disposal. Additionally, the project aims to develop teamwork skills, effective communication, organization, research, and critical analysis.

Detailed Project Description:

This project will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and will last approximately 4 weeks, including all stages, from research to report formulation.

We will divide our project into 4 stages:

1. Theoretical Research: Understanding the concepts of aromatic hydrocarbons, their structure, properties, detection methods, nomenclature, and applications.
2. Case Study: Research on an industry that uses aromatic hydrocarbons in its production processes. Identify the types of hydrocarbons used, their functions, the processes involved, the benefits and risks associated, as well as the measures taken to minimize environmental impact and ensure worker health.
3. Mini Factory Simulation: Design and build a model of a section of the researched industry where the chemical reaction involving aromatic hydrocarbon occurs, explaining the steps involved.
4. Proposal Development: Discuss and propose solutions to minimize the negative impacts associated with the production and disposal of aromatic hydrocarbons.

Students will be encouraged to be creative in representing the factory model, using recyclable materials and other available tools. These models should represent the chemical process that occurs in the chosen industry, demonstrating the involvement of aromatic hydrocarbons.

Required Materials:

1. Research Materials: Textbooks, internet access, etc.
2. Materials for model construction: Styrofoam, cardboard, glue, paints, paper, pens, etc.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

Stage 1: Theoretical Research

• Review the theory of aromatic hydrocarbons.
• Understand their structure, properties, detection methods, nomenclature, and applications.
• Research the environmental and health impacts derived from the production and disposal of these compounds.

Stage 2: Case Study

• Choose an industry that uses aromatic hydrocarbons in its processes.
• Research the types of hydrocarbons used and identify their functions in the process.
• Identify the processes involved, the benefits and risks associated, as well as the measures taken to minimize environmental impact and ensure worker health.

Stage 3: Mini Factory Simulation

• Design and build a model of a section of the researched industry where the chemical reaction involving aromatic hydrocarbon occurs.
• Explain the steps involved through captions and diagrams.

Stage 4: Proposal Development

• Discuss and propose solutions to minimize the negative impacts related to the production and disposal of aromatic hydrocarbons.
• Document the proposals in a report.

Students must produce a detailed report following the structure of Introduction, Development (where the theory is discussed, the activity is described in detail, the methodology used, the results obtained, and the discussion of the results are presented), Conclusions (where the main points are summarized, the learnings obtained are explained, and the conclusions drawn about the project are presented), and References.