A five-week miniproject is described for an upper-division experimental organic chemistry course. The activities include synthesis of a phenylboronic acid via a Grignard reaction and its use in a Suzuki−Miyaura crosscoupling reaction. Technical skills and concepts normally presented in practical organic chemistry courses are covered, including the use of an inert atmosphere (Schlenk tube technique), separation of mixtures (filtration), melting range determination, infrared (IR) spectrum, stoichiometric calculations and gas chromatography techniques.

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This report presents a miniproject for teaching sustainability through the production of adsorbents from sewage sludge. The activity was tested during the Physical Chemistry II portion of an Agro-Industrial Engineering Course and lasted 4 weeks. The activities developed by the students included preparing the adsorbents (in natura, carbon, and activated carbon), interpreting the results of adsorbent characterization, and testing the adsorption of phenol and methylene blue. During the miniproject, skills were developed in handling laboratory equipment (UV−vis spectrophotometer, shaker) and fixing basic concepts of chemistry (dilution theory), which are covered in limited depth in an engineering degree.

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Herein, we report a straightforward and environmentally benign methodology for the preparation of symmetrical diorganyl disulfides via oxidation of thiols, under open atmosphere. Water Extract of Banana peel ash (WEB) was conveniently employed as a selective and eco-friendly system for the oxidative dimerization of thiols, affording the corresponding disulfides in very good yields.