Contextualization

Introduction to the topic

Nitriles and isonitriles are classes of organic compounds that have nitrogen in their structures, specifically, they are composed of a cyano group (-CN) linked to a carbon atom in an organic chain. Nitriles are compounds where the cyano group is connected by nitrogen to the carbon chain, while in isonitriles the connection of the cyano group occurs through carbon.

These compounds have particular characteristics due to the presence of the cyano functional group. Nitriles and isonitriles are polarized, which means they have a positive end and a negative end. The polarity of these compounds allows them to dissolve in water and other polar solvents, and also react with other polar compounds.

Contextualization

Nitriles and isonitriles play an important role in the chemical industry. Due to their reactivity, they are used in a variety of chemical reactions to form many other types of compounds. In addition, these substances are crucially important in the production of materials such as plastics, resins, and synthetic rubbers.

Understanding and studying these compounds is essential for a range of fields, from food and beverage chemistry to medicinal chemistry. Their detailed study not only allows us to understand a fascinating phenomenon in chemistry, but also paves the way for developments in a wide range of applied areas.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "In the Paths of Nitriles and Isonitriles: An Investigative Trail"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to conduct an investigation on nitriles and isonitriles, their properties, applications, risks, and responsible disposal methods. The final goal will be the construction of a conceptual map and the writing of a detailed report on the work carried out.

Detailed Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, will create a conceptual map on nitriles and isonitriles. The conceptual map should contain the definitions, properties, applications, risks, and responsible disposal methods of nitriles and isonitriles.

After creating the conceptual map, each group should write a report detailing the entire investigation process, map construction, and correlation with the concepts learned during classes.

Required Materials

• Internet access for research
• Materials for making the conceptual map: paper (A0, A1, or A2), colored pens, post-its, etc.

Activity Steps

1. Students should divide into groups of 3 to 5 members and conduct initial research on nitriles and isonitriles. Each group member should look for a specific subtopic: definitions, properties, applications, risks, and disposal. In this way, each student will become a "specialist" in one aspect of nitriles and isonitriles.

2. Students should gather and share the information they have found. Together, they will develop a conceptual map on nitriles and isonitriles using the available materials.

3. After completing the conceptual map, students should meet again to discuss and correlate the information obtained with the concepts that were learned in the classroom.

4. Finally, students should write a project report, focusing on the description of the investigation process, construction of the conceptual map, and correlation with the theoretical concepts from the classes.

Project Deliverables

The project delivery will be done in the following order:

1. Presentation of the conceptual map to the class.
2. Submission of the written report.

The report should follow the following structure:

1. Introduction: Contextualization of the relevance of nitriles and isonitriles in the real world, as well as the motivation and objective of this project.
2. Development: Detailed description of the investigation process, explanation of the theory related to the central themes of the project, description of the practical activity (construction of the conceptual map), and discussion of the results obtained.
3. Conclusion: Synthesis of the main points brought by the report, lessons learned, and conclusions drawn from the project.
4. Bibliography: Indication of the sources used in the research and report.

The report and the conceptual map will be used to evaluate not only the students' theoretical knowledge but also their ability to collaborate, time management, problem-solving skills, creative thinking, proactivity, and writing skills.