An Undergraduate Laboratory Module Integrating Organic Chemistry and Polymer Science

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry Education

Background:

• Polymer science integration into undergraduate organic chemistry is growing.
• A gap exists in comprehensive laboratory modules for polypeptide and homopolymer synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a semester-long undergraduate laboratory module for polymer synthesis and characterization.
• To provide hands-on experience in advanced polymer chemistry techniques.

Main Methods:

• Ring-opening polymerization (NCA ROP) for polyalanine synthesis.
• Activators-regenerated by electron-transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) for polystyrene synthesis.
• Characterization using 1H NMR, ESI-MS, GPC, TGA, DSC, and TEM.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of polyalanine and polystyrene.
• Students gained practical skills in advanced polymer synthesis and analytical techniques.
• The module effectively integrated polymer science into the organic chemistry curriculum.

Conclusions:

• The developed laboratory module enhances undergraduate organic chemistry education.
• It fosters student interest in interdisciplinary research and cultivates critical thinking and communication skills.
• This module provides a valuable resource for teaching advanced polymer chemistry concepts.