1. Module 6

1.23. Page 5

Module 6 Lesson 4

Module 6—Petrochemicals

Reflect on the Big Picture


Designing chemical reactions that consider atom economy can be very helpful when attempting to improve efficiency and minimize the chemical industry’s effect on the environment.

 

When greater proportions of a chemical reaction’s reactants end up in the product, fewer waste or by-products are made. In the calculations you just performed, the only by-product is a water molecule, which is both small and non-toxic. In general, complex syntheses involving multiple reactions have lower atom economies and lower overall yields.

 

Try This

 

Develop an answer to one of the following questions. When possible, use examples and relevant calculations to support your answers.

 

TR 1. How does the molecular mass of the waste product of an esterification compare to the molecular mass of other organic reactions; for example, a substitution reaction?

TR 2. Does the difference in the molecular mass of the by-products of the two reactions in TR 1 result in a significant difference in the atom economy when these two types of reactions are compared?

TR 3. How could a chemical process be designed to maximize atom economy?

TR 4. How would the atom economy of a process that requires many reactions compare to a process that is completed in one reaction?

 

Post your answer to the discussion area for your class. Read the responses of at least two other students. Do their responses show a correct understanding of atom economy? Share your constructive comments with your classmates. Revise your response, if necessary, and submit a copy to your teacher.

 

Module 6: Lesson 4 Assignment


Submit your completed Module 6: Lesson 4 Assignment to your teacher.