Introduction

Ketones are a group of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl functional group (C=O), in which the carbon is bonded to two other carbons. It is one of the many classes of chemical compounds called carbonyl compounds for containing the carbonyl group. This group of compounds, also known as the ketone functional group, is very relevant in organic and biochemistry, appearing in many important molecules, including sugars and antibiotics.

Compounds containing ketones have unique chemical properties that help them participate in a variety of chemical reactions. For example, ketones can be reduced to secondary alcohols (when the carbonyl group is converted to a hydroxyl group) or oxidized to provide acidic compounds. However, their reactivity depends on both the number and type of groups they are attached to as well as the environment in which they are present (e.g., in aqueous solution or in the solid state).

Additionally, ketones have a wide range of industrial uses, including as solvents for paint, in the production of resins, polymers, and fibers, in the manufacture of medicines, and in the perfume and fragrance industry, where they are used to provide different smells and flavors. Therefore, a deep understanding of the chemical and physical properties of ketones, as well as their uses, is essential for a variety of fields.

Contextualization

Ketones are extremely important compounds, both in our biochemistry and in various industrial applications. For example, one of the simplest and best-known ketones, acetone (CH3COCH3), is widely used as a universal solvent and also in the production of methyl methacrylate, a compound used in the production of acrylic resins and transparent polymers. Furthermore, another ketone called propanoic acid is the main constituent of rancid butter, presenting an unpleasant smell.

Moreover, in biochemistry, ketones play fundamental roles. For example, when our body needs energy and there is no glucose available (such as during fasting or low-carb diets), our liver starts breaking down fats into molecules called ketones, which can be used as an energy source. In cases of uncontrolled diabetes, ketone production can increase, leading to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious health problem.

Students can deepen their knowledge about ketones through the following reliable references:

1. Atkins, P., Jones, L., "Princípios de Química: Questionando a vida moderna e o meio ambiente". Bookman, 5th edition (2012) - Chapter 13: Ketones and Aldehydes.
2. "Química Orgânica", by Paula Bruice - Chapter 17: Ketones and Aldehydes.
3. Khan Academy website, Organic Chemistry section. Available at: Khan Academy.
4. "Toda Matéria" website, Organic Chemistry section. Available at: Toda Matéria.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Ketone Basket: An Interdisciplinary Approach"

Project Objective:

This project aims to provide students with a deep understanding of ketones and their properties, as well as to explore the use and application of these compounds in the real world. In addition to chemistry, the activity will seek to integrate elements of biology and economics, in order to create a multidisciplinary learning experience.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members and will work together to research, plan, execute, and present a project on ketones. The project will be divided into three main parts:

1. Theoretical Part: Each group must conduct a detailed research on ketones, including their molecular structure, physicochemical properties, methods of production, and industrial applications. Additionally, the groups should investigate the relevance of ketones in biology, focusing on metabolic processes such as ketogenesis.

2. Practical Experiment: The groups will carry out a laboratory experiment, where they will produce a ketone on a small scale (preferably acetone, due to its simplicity and safety in handling). The goal is for students to see in practice some properties of ketones they studied in the theoretical part.

3. Economic Analysis: Each group should conduct a small analysis on the ketone market. This includes understanding which industries use ketones and how, who are the major producers and consumers, how supply and demand influence the price of ketones, among other relevant points.

Required Materials:

For the laboratory part:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Laboratory gloves, lab coats, safety goggles.
• Laboratory equipment: Beaker, reflux condenser, thermometer, round-bottom flask, heating plate.
• Chemical substances: Isopropyl alcohol, concentrated sulfuric acid, distilled water, sodium bicarbonate.

For the research part:

• Computers with internet access.
• Books and scientific articles.
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

Phase 1: Research and Planning

• Divide into groups and distribute tasks among members.
• Conduct an in-depth research on ketones using the provided references, as well as other reliable sources. Take notes and prepare an initial report.
• Plan the laboratory experiment, including the list of necessary materials, detailed procedure, and safety measures.
• Conduct a preliminary research on the ketone market and outline an economic analysis.

Phase 2: Laboratory Experiment

• Perform the laboratory experiment to produce a ketone. Record all observations, such as reaction time, color change, product appearance, etc.
• At the end of the experiment, compare the observed properties of the produced ketone with the theoretical information collected during the research phase.

Phase 3: Analysis and Presentation

• Finalize the economic analysis, based on the research conducted and the results of the experiment. Discuss the results and the impact of these within the ketone market.
• Prepare a presentation covering everything: theoretical research, laboratory experiment, and economic analysis. Each group member should actively participate in the presentation.
• Write the final report, including details of each project stage and the lessons learned.

Project Delivery

• The project must be delivered in two parts: a written report and an oral presentation. The report should be well-structured, following the format of introduction, development (with detailed methodology, results, and discussion), and conclusion. The presentation should be clear, engaging, and informative.
• Deliveries should reflect the understanding of the topic, the accuracy and safety of the experiment, the critical analysis of the economic application, and the effective collaboration among group members.

Remember, the purpose of this project is not only to understand ketones in a chemical context, but also to realize their importance in other spheres such as biology and economics. Good luck!