Problem-Based Learning Approach to Review the Principles of Green Chemistry Applied to a Polycondensation Reaction

A problem-based methodology was implemented to a group of five students from the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry majors, who participated in a project, whose main objective was to discuss and apply, the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry to the study of poly(vinyl alcohol)’s cross-linking reaction with dicarboxylic acids, activated by two different energy media: conventional heating and microwave irradiation. Within the implemented methodology, students were oriented to be responsible for their own learning and the professor, participates as a facilitator or advisor. A problem was proposed and students planned all their activities to accomplish the objectives and goals of the project, reviewed recent information and summarized it, made experimental work, prepared written reports and had oral evaluations and seminars. The results obtained by the students were assessed through the generation of a final report and also with a final oral presentation in front of faculty members. The process, lived by the collaborative workgroup during the development and execution of the project, is described. The most important comments and conclusions regarding how green are each of the two chemical reaction activation processes, are presented.