chemistry for sustainability

You have decided to use lactic acid as an exemplar to illustrate a variety of different chemical concepts. In this assignment, you will consider the chemistry of lactic acid, evaluate it as an exemplar organic molecule for instruction at the secondary level, and report your findings.

3 pages

Step 1. Read

As an introduction to the assignment, read the article, Lactic Acid, by Janine Ungvarsky in the library database.

Ungvarsky, J. (2016). Lactic acid. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Step 2. Research

a) Find out the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name for lactic acid.

b) Find out how lactic acid can be synthesized from acetaldehyde.

Step 3. Explain

Explain the nomenclature of the starting materials, any intermediaries. and of the lactic acid itself.

Step 4. Discuss

Discuss why lactic acid is categorized as an acid.

Step 5. Draw

Draw resonance structures for the deprotonated form of lactic acid.

Step 6. Describe

Describe how you could use lactic acid as a platform from which to teach nomenclature.

Step 7. Describe

Describe how you could use lactic acid as a platform from which to teach about sustainability. Suggestion: Investigate the polymerization of lactic acid.

Step 8. Rate and Explain

On a scale of 1 to 10, rate lactic acid as an exemplar for use in teaching organic chemistry. Base your rating on lactic acid’s ability to illustrate a variety of different chemical concepts. Identify and explain those concepts.

Step 9. Compile

Compile the information you have gathered in a single report. Use graphics as needed for illustration of the concepts.