Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Organic salts are ionic compounds resulting from the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base. These salts contain one or more carbon atoms covalently bonded (C-C or C-H) and can have different physical and chemical properties, depending on their components.

Salts can be divided into two main categories: inorganic salts and organic salts. While inorganic salts are composed of non-metallic and metallic elements, organic salts are those that contain carbon in their structure. For these salts, the cation is usually a metal and the anion is an organic radical.

These compounds have a wide range of applications, as their properties can be adjusted according to the need. This is possible through the different combinations of bases and acids that can be used to form them. For example, varying the carbon chain of the organic component can alter the solubility, melting point, reactivity, among other properties of the organic salt formed.

Contextualization

In the field of Chemistry, there is a growing demand for sustainable materials with low environmental impact. Organic salts have proven to be a viable alternative due to their structural flexibility and diversity of applications.

They have a range of applications, including in the industry, where they are used in rubber curing processes, as additives for lubricants, in the production of paints and pigments, and even in the food and pharmaceutical industry, where they can be found in sweeteners and medications.

Working with organic salts can be an interesting way to understand the complexity of the chemistry world and how our choices in the laboratory can impact the world we live in. Being made from biodegradable resources, they are a sustainable option that combines chemical theory with applied practice.

Regarding reliable resources to base and deepen the topic, here are some suggestions:

1. Book: ATKINS, P.; JONES, L. Principles of Chemistry: questioning modern life and the environment. 5th ed. Porto Alegre: Bookman, 2012.
2. Video: Introduction to Organic Salts - Khan Academy
3. Website: UOL Education - Organic Salts

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Organic Salt: From Theory to Practice"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to give students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge about organic salts in a practical context. Students will collaborate to synthesize an organic salt, conduct experiments to observe its properties, and finally, investigate possible applications and environmental implications of its use.

Detailed Project Description

This project will involve three main stages: the synthesis of an organic salt (sodium acetate), the investigation of the properties of the produced salt, and research on the applications and environmental implications of organic salts.

Required Materials

• Acetic acid (vinegar)
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Erlenmeyer flask or similar container
• Precision balance
• Beaker
• Watch glass
• Spatula
• Filter paper
• Bunsen burner or hot plate
• Wooden clamp
• Safety helmet, gloves, and protective goggles

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Synthesis of Sodium Acetate

• First, students should measure 8.4g of sodium bicarbonate and 20mL of vinegar (acetic acid).
• Slowly add the sodium bicarbonate to the vinegar to avoid a violent reaction.
• After the reaction stops, the system should be filtered to remove excess sodium bicarbonate.
• The filtrate should be heated to remove the water and obtain sodium acetate crystals. Be careful when heating!
• Let the system cool to form sodium acetate crystals.

2. Investigation of Organic Salt Properties

• Groups should conduct experiments to determine the properties of the produced salt, such as melting point, solubility in water, and electrical conductivity. Each group can choose a property to investigate and share their results with the class.

3. Research on Applications and Environmental Implications

• Finally, students should conduct research to identify the possible applications of organic salts in the industry and the importance of using organic salts from an environmental perspective.

Each group, consisting of 3 to 5 students, should produce a final report on the project, containing four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

The Introduction should contextualize the theme "Organic Salt," explain its relevance and real-world application, and what the objective of the project was. In the Development section, students should explain the theory involved in the production and characterization of organic salts, detail the experiment conducted, the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained, including indicating where, in their opinion, there could be sources of error and how they could be corrected. In the Conclusions section, students should summarize the main points of the project, explain the learnings obtained, the conclusions drawn about the project, and discuss the implications of using organic salts in the industry and the environment. In the Bibliography section, students should indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

This project should take an average of five to ten hours per student to complete and should be delivered within a month from the start date. Teamwork, problem-solving skills, time management, and proactivity are important skills that will be acquired throughout this project.