Context

Aromatic hydrocarbons are extremely complex and fascinating compounds, composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They form the basis of many materials we use every day, from plastics to medicines. These compounds have a cyclic structure and possess a characteristic aroma, hence the name 'aromatic'.

Aromatic hydrocarbons play a very important role in our daily lives. They are used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of products, including medicines, dyes, plastics, detergents, and many others. Additionally, they are used as solvents in many industries and research laboratories. Aromatic compounds also occur naturally in many products we consume, such as coffee and chocolate.

One of the most well-known aromatic hydrocarbons is benzene, which is classified as a human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. This makes our understanding of these compounds even more important and the need to handle them with care and responsibility.

Theoretical Introduction

Aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of flat cyclic hydrocarbons, where each atom in the ring is bonded to a hydrogen atom. They have a ring structure with alternating single and double bonds, with a total of 4n + 2 π electrons (Hückel's Rule), forming a system of delocalized electrons.

Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon and all others are derived from it. The chemical structure of benzene was first proposed by August Kekulé, and this discovery was a major advancement for organic chemistry. Despite being a very simple compound, benzene has a wide applicability in the chemical industry and is one of the most produced substances in the world.

In addition to their wide applicability, aromatic hydrocarbons also have enormous importance in the health field. Although some of them are potentially dangerous, such as benzene, many have beneficial effects. For example, aspirin, a commonly used medication to relieve pain and inflammation, is derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon.

Practical Activity: 3D Modeling of Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Project Objective

Aiming to explore the concept of aromatic hydrocarbons in depth, as well as to instigate critical thinking and collaborative work through a playful and practical approach, we propose the activity '3D Modeling of Aromatic Hydrocarbons'.

In this project, groups will be challenged to create 3D models of different aromatic hydrocarbons and subsequently prepare a detailed report on the chosen compounds, their properties, applications, and potential impacts on health and the environment.

Project Description

Groups should choose three different aromatic hydrocarbons for the project. For each one, they should:

1. Create a 3D model representing its molecular structure.
2. Research and write about the compound's properties, its everyday use, potential health and environmental risks, and possible safe ways to handle it.

Required Materials

1. Styrofoam or clay balls and toothpicks for building the models
2. Paint in different colors to differentiate the atoms
3. Computer with internet access for research
4. Note-taking material

Project Step-by-Step

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students and divide tasks among group members.
2. Research and choose three different aromatic hydrocarbons for the project.
3. For each hydrocarbon, build a 3D model using balls to represent the atoms and toothpicks to represent the bonds. Paint each atom a specific color to differentiate them.
4. Research the compound's properties, uses, potential health and environmental risks.
5. Write a detailed report including the following sections: introduction, development, conclusion, and bibliography.

Project Deliverables

In addition to the constructed 3D models, groups must deliver a detailed report for each selected hydrocarbon, containing:

1. Introduction: Explain what the compound is, where it is commonly found or used, and why it was chosen for the project.
2. Development: Describe the compound's structure, properties, main uses, potential health and environmental risks, and safety measures necessary for handling it. Include images of the 3D model and explain how it represents the compound's structure.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what was learned during the project development, the difficulties encountered, how they overcame them, and how this knowledge can be applied in real situations.
4. Bibliography: List all information sources used for the project.

Each report will be evaluated based on the clarity, detail, and accuracy of the information presented, as well as the quality of the created 3D models.