Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Organic Functions: Ester

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the origin and properties of esters, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent practical and experimental activities. Emphasizing the development of practical skills and connection with the job market is crucial to prepare students for real applications in the industrial and commercial context.

Main Objectives

1. Understand that esters come from the reaction between carboxylic acids and alcohols.

2. Identify the properties and characteristics of esters.

Side Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of esters in different industrial and commercial applications.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the origin and properties of esters, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent practical and experimental activities. Emphasizing the development of practical skills and connection with the job market is crucial to prepare students for real applications in the industrial and commercial context.

Contextualization

Esters are organic compounds widely used in the industry due to their unique properties. They are responsible for the aromas and flavors of many fruits and flowers, as well as being essential components in products like perfumes, food, and cleaning products. Understanding the chemistry of esters and their reactions is crucial for various practical applications in the job market.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Esters have a significant presence in everyday life and in industry. For example, ethyl acetate is used as a solvent in paints and varnishes, while ethyl butyrate is one of the compounds that gives pineapple its characteristic aroma. In the fragrance industry, esters are fundamental ingredients for creating perfumes and personal care products. Understanding these applications can open doors to careers in areas such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food engineering.

Initial Activity

To spark students' interest, show a short video (3-5 minutes) that demonstrates the production of a perfume, highlighting the importance of esters in creating fragrances. Then, pose the provocative question: 'Have you ever imagined what the world would be like without the artificial aromas created by esters?'

Development

Duration: (45 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide an in-depth and practical understanding of ester formation and properties, connecting theoretical knowledge with real market applications. Through reflection, practical experimentation, and fixation exercises, students will be able to consolidate the content learned and recognize the relevance of esters in various industries.

Covered Topics

1. Esterification reaction: Process of forming esters.
2. Physical and chemical properties of esters.
3. Industrial applications of esters.
4. Importance of esters in the fragrance and food industry.

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how the chemistry of esters directly impacts their everyday lives. Question how the absence of these substances could affect the production of food, perfumes, and medicines. Promote a discussion on the importance of understanding chemical reactions for the development of new products in the market.

Mini Challenge

Creation of an Ester: Practical Experiment

Students will conduct a practical experiment to synthesize an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The activity should be done in small groups, allowing each student to actively participate in the process.

Instructions

1. Divide the students into groups of 3 to 4 members.
2. Distribute the necessary materials to each group: beakers, test tubes, pipettes, acetic acid, ethanol, sulfuric acid (catalyst), and water.
3. Each group should add 10 mL of acetic acid and 10 mL of ethanol in a beaker.
4. Carefully add 2-3 drops of sulfuric acid to the beaker and mix gently.
5. Heat the mixture in a water bath for approximately 10 minutes.
6. After heating, transfer the mixture to a separating funnel and add water to wash the solution.
7. Separate the organic layer (ester) from the aqueous layer and transfer it to a clean container.
8. Instruct the students to observe the aroma of the formed ester and compare it with the initial smell of the reagents.

Objective: To practically demonstrate the esterification reaction, allowing students to observe the changes and characteristics of the formed esters. This activity aims to consolidate theoretical knowledge through a practical and interactive experience.

Duration: (20 - 30 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Explain the esterification reaction, including the reagents and products involved.
2. Describe the physical properties of esters that were observed during the practical activity.
3. List three industrial applications of esters and explain the importance of each.
4. Compare the esterification reaction with other reactions forming organic compounds, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate the knowledge acquired by the students, promoting critical reflection on the content presented and its practical applications. By recapping the main points and discussing the importance of esters, students will be able to internalize the information better and recognize the relevance of the topic for their lives and future careers.

Discussion

Facilitate a discussion among the students about the topic of esters, encouraging them to reflect on what they learned during the class. Question them about the practical experience, the mini-challenges, and the fixation exercises. Ask how they think understanding the chemistry of esters can be applied in their everyday lives and in the job market. Promote an exchange of ideas about the various applications of esters in the fragrance, food, and other sectors.

Summary

Summarize and recap the main content presented during the class, emphasizing the esterification reaction, the physical and chemical properties of esters, and their industrial applications. Reinforce the importance of understanding how esters are formed and how their characteristics are relevant in different industrial and commercial contexts.

Closing

Explain how the lesson connected theory with practice and with applications in the job market. Highlight the importance of esters in everyday life and how the knowledge gained can open doors to careers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Reinforce the relevance of the content learned and thank the students for their active participation.