19: Infusion of green chemistry and organic synthesis research into O-chem labs

Abstract: This project aims to infuse Green Chemistry and organic synthesis research into Organic Chemistry labs at Winston-Salem State University. Aryl thiols have been shown to be important building blocks for the synthesis of sulfur-containing natural products and pharmaceutically active compounds. Students in this lab will focus on the synthesis of 3-aryl(thio)-propanoic acids from aryl thiols via SN2 reactions. The subsequent intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation of 3-(phenylthio)-propanoic acids and derivatives will lead to the synthesis of sulfur-containing heterocycles. The hypothesis is that the electronic withdrawing and donating group on the aromatic ring will affect the reactivity and chemical yields. The results on various electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups will be presented. As of 2025, the American Chemical Society (ACS) requires approved undergraduate chemistry programs to incorporate the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry into their curricula. Students in these labs will also learn the importance of green chemistry principles and their applications in organic synthesis for a sustainable future.