2.4 Synthetic Chemistry Study Guide

2.4 Synthetic Chemistry (Chem.2.4)

Explore this Phenomenon

Aspirin was originally created from a compound found in the leaves of a plant which was then synthesized into what we now know as aspirin.

1. What is aspirin used for? What benefits does it have?
2. Why would we want to synthesize/make aspirin rather than trying to use the plant the original compound was from by itself?

Standard Chem.2.4
Evaluate design solutions where synthetic chemistry was used to solve a problem (cause and effect ). Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, analyze available data on proposed solutions, and determine an optimal solution. Emphasize the design of materials to control their properties through chemistry. Examples could include pharmaceuticals that target active sites, teflon to reduce friction on surfaces, or nanoparticles of zinc oxide to create transparent  sunscreen. (PS1.A, ETS1.A, ETS1.B, ETS1.C)

In this section, look for information that describes the causes and effects of problems solved by aspirin. Identify the criteria and constraints that chemical engineers considered, analyze the data that shows that aspirin is effective in more than one context and compare aspirin made in a laboratory to natural methods for extracting salicylic acid.

What is involved in Engineering Design?
Engineering is a creative process where each new version of a design is tested and then modified, based on what has been learned up to that point. This process includes a number of stems:

1. Identifying the problem and defining criteria and constraints.
2. Generating ideas for how to solve the problem. Engineers can use research, brainstorming and collaboration with others to come up with ideas for solutions and designs.
3. Build and then test the prototypes. Using data collected, the engineer can
   analyze how well the various prototypes meet the given criteria and constraints.
4. Evaluate what is needed to improve the leading design or devise a better one.

To design a solution to the problem, you will need to start by identifying the criteria and constraints. Then develop several  possible solutions. Once you have several possible solutions, use the criteria and constraints to evaluate each. You should test the solution that will best meet the criteria and constraints, and then determine how to improve the solution, based on test results. Testing the solution may include modeling, working with materials, using mathematical relationships, etc.

In the Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards, specific engineering standards generally involve two types of tasks:

1. If the standard includes the idea of designing, then the design process will contain components of defining the problem (along with identifying the criteria and constraints), developing many possible solutions, and optimizing a solution (e.g., determining a best solution for the situation based on the criteria and constraints, testing the solution, refining the solution).
2. If the standard includes the idea of evaluating, then the design process will contain components of defining the problem (along with identifying the criteria and constraints) and optimizing a solution. The idea of developing many possible
   solutions is not included because various solutions will be provided. The idea of evaluating then means determining a best solution from the provided solutions for the situation based on meeting the criteria and constraints requirements.

Which type of engineering task is utilized in this SEEd Standard?

Development of Aspirin
From ancient times, civilizations have known about the effectiveness of medicines made from willow and other plants. For example, Hippocrates in writings from around 400 BCE referred to the use of a tea made from this plant to reduce fevers. The use of this substance continued through the middle ages. Willow bark extract became recognized for its specific effects on fever, pain, and inflammation. By the nineteenth century pharmacists were experimenting with and prescribing a variety of chemicals related to salicylic acid, the active component of willow bark.

Due to its wide-spread use, chemists sought ways to synthetically produce salicylic acid and its derivative compounds. In 1853, Charles Gerhardt produced acetylsalicylic acid (today known as the active component of aspirin). Other chemists continued to analyze the compounds chemical structure and devised more efficient methods of synthesis. In 1897, scientists at the drug and dye firm Bayer began investigating acetylsalicylic acid as a less-irritating replacement for the original salicylate acid derived from willow bark. Bayer began synthesizing the compound in mass production and selling it around the world. They dubbed the compound as Aspirin.

         
Aspirin continues to be sold and used today as a pain reducer and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, trials show aspirin’s efficacy as an
anti-clotting agent used to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Putting It Together

Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits

Plastic polymers

Teflon is used as a nonstick coating in pans

The development of aspirin and other pain relief products is one example of a natural compound that has been refined through synthetic chemistry for medicinal use. Other examples include the development of Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), biotechnology products, polymers used in material science, nanoparticles of zinc oxide to create transparent sunscreen, and Teflon for cooking surfaces.

1. Pick a synthetic chemical and evaluate how it was used to solve a specific problem.