Contextualization

Organic Chemistry, a branch of Chemistry that studies carbon compounds, is fascinating and extremely relevant to our daily lives. Among the various existing functional groups, in this project, we will focus on anhydrides. Anhydrides are chemical compounds formed by the combination of two acid groups, usually carboxylic acid, with the elimination of a water molecule.

Produced on a large industrial scale, anhydrides are applied in the manufacturing of resins, dyes, plastics, among other products. However, their properties are also important in understanding biological reactions, such as the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, for example. Therefore, the study and understanding of anhydrides are fundamental, as they enter significant fields of industry and biology.

Our project aims to introduce students to the composition, properties, characteristics, and uses of anhydrides. Additionally, it is expected that you will be able to understand the relevance of anhydrides in industrial and everyday applications, where they prove to be extremely useful. The project also aims to develop socio-emotional skills such as teamwork, creativity, planning, and time management.

We recommend the following chapters from the following books as preliminary reading before starting the project:

1. Organic Chemistry, Vol 2 - Paula Y. Bruice
2. Organic Reactions - Francis A. Carey

Additionally, the following websites can also help:

1. Química na Veia - Anhydrides
2. Brasil Escola - Anhydrides

Practical Activity: "Anhydrides: From their essence to application"

Activity Title: "Modeling of Anhydrides and Their Applications"

Project Objectives:

The objective of this activity is to offer a practical insight into anhydrides, their properties and characteristics, as well as their applications.

Detailed Project Description:

In this activity, students, in groups of 3 to 5 people, will research, study, and build models of anhydride molecules using molecular modeling kits. They will then explore, through online research, the applications of the selected anhydrides in industry, medicine, among other areas, and present their findings in the form of an informative poster.

Required Materials:

1. Molecular modeling kit.
2. Internet access for research.
3. Materials for creating the poster (cardboard paper, markers, printer, etc.).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Research and Study (2-3 hours): Start the activity with research on anhydrides and select two or three anhydride molecules to study and model. Each group should choose different molecules. Use the recommended books and reliable online sources for research.

2. Modeling of Molecules (2-3 hours): Using the molecular modeling kit, build physical models of the chosen anhydrides. During construction, discuss the properties and characteristics of the anhydrides.

3. Investigation of Applications (2-3 hours): Conduct online research on the applications of the chosen anhydrides. Think and discuss how the properties of the anhydrides make them suitable for these applications.

4. Creation of the Poster (2-4 hours): Finally, create an informative poster that incorporates the models of molecules, an explanation of the properties and characteristics of the anhydrides, and an overview of their applications. The poster should also include clear illustrations, interesting data, and be visually appealing.

5. Poster Presentation (1 hour): Present the poster to the rest of the class, explaining its content and answering any questions that may arise.

Project Delivery and Document Writing:

At the end of the project, each group must deliver the poster and a written report that includes:

1. Introduction: Describe the objective and relevance of the project. Explain what anhydrides are, provide examples of the chosen anhydrides, and describe their real-world application.

2. Development: Describe in detail the theory behind anhydrides, explain the activities carried out, including the modeling of molecules and the creation of the poster. Include the methodology used to carry out the activity, present and discuss the results obtained.

3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the activity, discuss what was learned, the difficulties encountered, and the conclusions drawn from the project.

4. Bibliography: Indicate all sources of information used in the work, including books, websites, among others.

The written document should be between 10 to 15 pages. Remember that clarity and accuracy are essential for both the poster and the written report.