Strategie sintetiche e metodologiche "GREEN" per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Chemistry can and must provide knowledge and technologies for the sustainable management of resources and lifestyles. It contributes both to the identification of the root causes of environmental problems and to the definition of their possible solutions, adopting a global perspective. Within this framework, Green Chemistry aims to develop sustainable synthetic processes and technologies that are intrinsically safe and non-toxic for living organisms and the environment.

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Specific Learning Objectives of the Course

The course aims to provide students with the cultural and methodological tools needed to:

• assess the environmental impact associated with the synthesis of chemical products;

• identify alternative strategies for the sustainable development of processes;

• understand the importance of process design in the advancement of modern chemistry.

By the end of the course, students are expected to acquire the following basic knowledge:

• the importance of waste minimization and the role of sustainable synthesis design;

• the main parameters used to evaluate the environmental impact of a chemical process (E-factor, atom economy, reaction mass efficiency, etc.);

• the ability to analyze the environmental impact of a given synthesis and to propose, where appropriate, alternative reagents, catalysts, solvents, or methodologies to improve environmental performance;

• methodologies aimed at reducing waste generation and energy consumption, with particular attention to the recovery of by-products useful to the chemical industry;

• the definition of biomass and the fundamental concepts of process safety.

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Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the planning of a chemical process, identifying the value and potential reuse of waste materials;

• use Green Chemistry metrics to compare and evaluate alternative processes;

• design chemical syntheses oriented toward sustainability, selecting methodologies that ensure reduced environmental impact;

• communicate their analyses and evaluations clearly and rigorously, including to a non-specialist audience.

These skills will be developed through exercises, case studies, and guided consultation of relevant scientific literature.

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Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

To ensure equal opportunities and in accordance with current legislation, students may request a personal meeting with the instructor in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in line with the learning objectives and their specific needs.

The course includes lectures supported by multimedia presentations, integrated with case study discussions and practical exercises aimed at applying Green Chemistry metrics.

In order to follow the course effectively, students are expected to have a basic knowledge of general chemistry and organic chemistry.

Although not compulsory, attendance at lectures is highly recommended.

1. Introduction to Green Chemistry – 4 hours

• Environmental issues and the role of chemistry (2 h)

• The twelve principles and goals of Green Chemistry (2 h)

2. Strategies for Sustainable Design – 6 hours

• Green approaches to synthetic design (2 h)

• Green Chemistry metrics (E-factor, atom economy, etc.) and case studies (2 h)

• Mass balance and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (2 h)

3. The Role of Solvents – 4 hours

• Process planning based on solvent choice (1 h)

• Ionic liquids: properties, toxicology, biodegradation (2 h)

• Use of water in organic reactions (1 h)

4. The Role of Catalysts – 6 hours

• Supported catalysts, solid acids and bases (2 h)

• Nanocatalysts (2 h)

• Biocatalysis (2 h)

5. Renewable Raw Materials for the Chemistry of the Future – 8 hours

• Biomass: definition, classification, applications (2 h)

• Clay minerals: properties, modification, applications (3 h)

• Plastics: recycling processes and waste valorization (3 h)

6. Specific Aspects of Sustainability – 4 hours

• Stereoisomerism and sustainability (2 h)

• Separation processes and sustainability (2 h)

7. Green Technologies in the Laboratory – 4 hours

• Microwaves, ultrasounds, mechanochemistry (4 h)

8. Biofuels Production – 2 hours

• Renewable sources and replacement of fossil fuels (2 h)

9. Case Studies and Applications – 4 hours

• Organic synthesis processes and sustainable alternatives from recent literature (4 h)

--P. T. Anastas, J. C. Warner Green Chemistry- Oxford University, ISBN 978-019-850698-0

-M Lancaster Green Chemistry an Introductio Text, RSC, ISBN 0-85404-620-8

-The teaching material used by the instructor during lectures will be made available to attending students in electronic format

The exam consists of an oral test lasting no less than 30 minutes, aimed at verifying:

• the level of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical contents of the course;

• the ability to apply this knowledge to practical cases;

• the proper use of scientific language.

The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale, with the possibility of honors (30/30 cum laude).

Grading Criteria

• Excellent (30/30 cum laude)
  The student demonstrates outstanding knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, rigorous and precise exposition skills, and an excellent ability to establish connections between the different aspects of the discipline and to understand their applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on mastery of sustainability concepts and of the parameters used to evaluate the eco-sustainability of a chemical process, as well as on the ability to propose strategies for improvement, with awareness in the choice of reagents, solvents, and methodologies.

• Very good (29–26/30)
  The student demonstrates solid knowledge of the topics, is able to correctly identify the practical applications of the concepts, and can adequately solve the proposed problems.

• Good (25–24/30)
  The student shows knowledge of the main basic topics, possesses fair language skills, and has a limited ability to apply knowledge independently to problem solving.

• Satisfactory (23–21/30)
  The student, while not fully mastering the topics, demonstrates an overall acceptable knowledge, adequate language skills, and a reduced ability to apply knowledge independently.

• Sufficient (20–18/30)
  The student demonstrates minimal knowledge of the fundamental topics, limited use of scientific language, and poor ability to apply knowledge independently.

• Insufficient (<18/30)
  The student does not demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge or understanding of the subject.

1. General Principles

   • What are the twelve principles of Green Chemistry and how can they be grouped according to the objectives they pursue?

2. Metrics

   • Explain what is meant by atom economy and E-factor, and provide an example of their application in an organic reaction.

3. Sustainable Design

   • Suppose you need to design the synthesis of an organic compound. What criteria should you consider to minimize waste generation and maximize process efficiency?

4. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

   • What is meant by Life Cycle Assessment and how can it be applied to the evaluation of a chemical process?

5. Solvents

   • What features make a solvent “green”? Compare the use of ionic liquids and water in organic reactions.

6. Catalysis

   • Why are catalysts central to Green Chemistry? Compare the advantages and limitations of heterogeneous catalysts, nanocatalysts, and biocatalysis.

7. Renewable Raw Materials

   • What is biomass and what are its main applications as a resource for the chemical industry?

8. Materials and Sustainability

   • What strategies can be applied to the recycling and valorization of plastics? Provide a practical example.

9. Green Laboratory Techniques

   • Explain the principles of using microwaves or ultrasound in the laboratory and indicate the advantages they offer compared to traditional methods.

10. Case Studies and Applications

• Describe an example from the literature of an organic synthesis process that has been made more sustainable through the application of Green Chemistry principles.