Contextualization

Organic Chemistry is a branch of Chemistry responsible for studying compounds containing the carbon element and their reactions. Within it, we have elimination reactions, which are a group of organic reactions where a molecule loses atoms or groups of atoms, resulting in a new substance.

Elimination reactions are categorized into three main types: E1, E2, and E1CB. In all these types, the final product is a molecule with a double or triple bond, generated from the removal of atoms or groups. These reactions are fundamental for the production of different organic compounds in the chemical industry, being widely applied in the synthesis of polymers, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and in alkylation and isomerization processes.

Elimination reactions, besides being of utmost importance in the industry, also have great relevance in the development of medicines and biochemistry. Through these reactions, it is possible to synthesize drugs with anticancer, antiviral action, among others. In biochemistry, the metabolic pathway of glycolysis, which occurs in all living cells, has stages that represent elimination reactions, once again proving the relevance of this topic for the understanding of chemistry and biology in practice.

I suggest the following sources for further study on the topic:

1. Book: McMurry, John. Organic Chemistry. 8th ed. Cengage, 2016.
2. Website: Khan Academy, Organic Chemistry section Khan Academy
3. Video: "Elimination reactions | Substitution and elimination reactions | Organic chemistry | Khan Academy" Video (in English)

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Synthesizing Knowledge: Learning Elimination Reactions through Molecular Modeling and Mechanism Study"

Project Objective:

The objective of this project is to provide students with the practical application of elimination reactions concepts in Organic Chemistry, allowing the visualization of these reactions and understanding of the mechanisms involved, using molecular modeling as a tool.

Detailed Project Description:

Groups should choose an E1, E2, or E1CB elimination reaction to be studied. The main goal is to recreate the dynamics of this reaction through molecular models, establish the involved mechanism, and discuss the concepts related to the chosen reaction.

Required Materials:

1. Molecular modeling kit
2. Books and internet for research
3. Paper and pen for notes

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Part 1: Research and selection of the reaction

   • Research about elimination reactions (E1, E2, and E1CB) and choose one for study.
   • Present a summary of the main aspects of the chosen reaction and justify the choice.

2. Part 2: Reaction modeling

   • Use the molecular modeling kit to build the components of the reaction.
   • Draw the structure of the molecules and indicate the movements of electrons during the reaction.
   • Discuss the structural elements of the reaction that facilitate or hinder the process occurrence.

3. Part 3: Discussion of results

   • Based on the modeling performed, discuss the mechanism of the chosen reaction.
   • Point out possible variations in the mechanism according to different conditions.
   • Present possible practical applications of the studied reaction.

4. Part 4: Report

   • Write a detailed report of the project, according to the presented guidelines.

Project Deliverables:

First, each group will deliver a report containing the following parts:

1. Introduction: In this section, students will contextualize the chosen elimination reaction, its relevance and applicability in the real world, as well as the objective of the current project.

2. Development: Here the theory behind the reaction mechanism will be presented, detailed explanation of the activity, the methodology used, and the results obtained.

3. Conclusions: Students will conclude by summarizing their main points, explaining the learnings, challenges encountered, proposed solutions, and conclusions drawn about the project.

4. Bibliography: Finally, students must indicate the sources they relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

Next, students will give a presentation to the class, where they can showcase their molecular models, explain the chosen reaction, discuss the mechanism, and share their conclusions with their peers.

The combination of written work with oral presentation will allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the topic and deepen their time management, communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.