Teaching Electrochemistry with Common Objects: Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Acetol with U.S. Coins

• Chun Ho Lam ^[1] ; James E. Jackson ^[2]
  1. [1] Wesleyan University

     Wesleyan University

     Town of Middletown, Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Michigan State University

     Michigan State University

     City of East Lansing, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 97, Nº 1, 2020, págs. 172-177
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of acetol (IUPAC: 1-hydroxy-2-propanone), a species formed upon thermal liquefaction of biomass, can be achieved using inexpensive objects: filter paper, coins, batteries, salts, and water. This simple example demonstrates that “green” chemical transformations can be achieved with familiar items and helps students appreciate that chemistry is all around them. It also illustrates reactivity contrasts between nickel and copper as catalytic metals effecting hydrogenation. Reactions can be completed in 2 to 2.5 h and can be analyzed visually on the basis of a color change or more quantitatively with classic visible wavelength spectrophotometers that can be found in almost any high school or undergraduate institution. Reagents used in the experiment are nontoxic and can be easily disposed of safely.