Contextualization

Introduction

Phenols are chemical compounds usually obtained from natural products or synthesized in the laboratory, with particular characteristics and wide application in the chemical industry. Phenol is a hydrocarbon molecule whose hydrogen atom has been replaced by a hydroxyl group (-OH). Due to the presence of the benzene ring, phenols are generally less acidic when compared to water, alcohol, and other similar compounds.

Phenols have a particular chemical structure that gives them peculiar characteristics. The aromatic ring of phenol allows it to participate in electrophilic substitution reactions facilitated by the presence of an activating group -OH, while the hydroxyl group allows participation in water elimination reactions.

Phenols are known for their stability due to the delocalization of electrons in the aromatic ring. This means that phenols are less prone to attacks by nucleophilic reagents or free radicals and are therefore much less reactive than many other alcohols or ethers.

Contextualization (Importance of Phenols)

Phenols are widely used in many industries. Many medications, such as aspirin and paracetamol, are derived from phenols. They are also used in cosmetics, plastics, resins, adhesives, and even in food as antioxidants.

However, phenols are potentially toxic and dangerous compounds if not handled correctly. They can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and in severe cases, damage to the liver and kidneys. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the properties and characteristics of phenols, as well as their applications and risks, in order to handle them safely and effectively.

Practical Activity

Title: "Phenols: Properties and Applications"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to explore the theory of phenols, their properties, methods of identification, practical applications, and impacts on health and the environment through an interactive and engaging approach that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and practical learning.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3-5 and will be tasked with creating a multimedia presentation on phenol. The presentation should include a theoretical explanation, the demonstration of an experiment, and an analysis of the impacts of phenols on health and the environment.

Required Materials

1. Computer with internet access and software for creating presentations (PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, etc.)
2. Materials for conducting the phenol identification experiment (to be decided by the group, under the supervision of the teacher)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Research on the theory of phenols, their properties, applications, and impacts on health and the environment. The research should be sufficiently in-depth to provide the necessary materials for the presentation.

2. Develop a multimedia presentation that includes:

   • An introduction to the concept of phenols.
   • A detailed explanation of their properties and characteristics.
   • A discussion on the applications of phenols and their importance in various industry sectors.
   • An analysis of the impacts of phenols on health and the environment, including possible mitigation measures.

3. Plan and conduct an experiment that demonstrates a property of phenols. The experiment should be safe, feasible with the available resources, and meaningful to help better understand the concept of phenols. The demonstration of the experiment should be recorded and incorporated into the presentation.

4. Each group must present their work to the class on a designated date.

Project Deliverables

In addition to the group work to carry out the activity, each student is responsible for writing an individual report on the project. This report should contain an introduction, development, conclusions, and references:

1. Introduction: The student should provide an overview of the project, explain the concept of phenols, and discuss their relevance and real-world applications.

2. Development: The student should discuss the theory of phenols, explain the experiment conducted by the group, describe the methodology used, and present the results.

3. Conclusions: It should reflect on the project, discuss the main learnings, highlight the conclusions drawn on the topic, and suggest possible improvements for future investigations on the subject.

4. References: Should include all sources used to research and develop the project.

The multimedia presentation and individual reports will be evaluated based on the quality of the information presented, the clarity of communication, the collaboration demonstrated by the group, and the critical reflection evidenced in the individual report.

By the end of this project, students will have acquired a deep understanding of phenols, their properties, applications, and impacts, as well as valuable skills such as time management, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.