In
this work we studied the reactions of benzothiazole sulfones
and sulfoxides toward reactive sulfur species. The reaction of thiols
with benzothiazole sulfones produces sulfinic acids (RSO2H), which can further react with sulfane sulfurs to form thiosulfonic
acids (RSO2SH). This was used to design fluorescent sensors
for hydrogen polysulfides. The reaction of thiols with benzothiazole
sulfoxides produces sulfenic acids (RSOH), which can undergo fast
intramolecular cyclization and be used to design thiol-triggered fluorescent
sensors.
This work is a course proposal for a stronger ethics
education
component for chemistry undergraduates. We propose that this course
should integrate different approaches in ethics with the value-laden
and scientifically complex issues that arise in chemistry. Although
some programs require that students take some ethics as a core requirement,
for many it is just an option among many humanities courses. Alternatively,
ethics may arise passively during courses devoted primarily to chemistry.
For our proposed course to be maximally effective, we believe it should
integrate both ethics and chemistry, inviting students to think about
complex real-world problems. This allows students to identify ethical
considerations in the context of cases they might encounter as part
of their careers in chemistry. It would also provide them with resources
to identify the best course of action.
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