This paper examines the current state of the implementation
of
green chemistry into organic chemistry textbooks. Content analysis
of the 15 most used organic chemistry textbooks revealed that only
10 of them had any mention of green chemistry. In textbooks that contained
mentions of green chemistry, it was mentioned on less than 1% of pages.
Green chemistry topics mentioned include the 12 green chemistry principles,
atom economy, greener solvents and reagents, recycling, biodegradable
materials, renewable feedstocks, and catalysis. Only three textbooks
contained several end-of-chapter problems with green chemistry content,
and all but two included the majority of green chemistry content in
extraneous textboxes. The current presentation of green chemistry
concepts and lack of assessment items is more suitable for a lecture-based
approach as opposed to creating a student-centered learning environment.
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