GREEN SYNTHETIC APPROACHES AND SUSTAINABLE PROCESSES

This course is part of the complementary educational activities of the PhD Program in Sustainable Chemistry. It is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding, both theoretical and experimental, of complex topics in the field of sustainable chemistry.
Specifically, the course aims to:
• Provide in-depth knowledge of sustainable chemistry, with a focus on the use of renewable reagents and solvents, and the development of catalytic processes using renewable starting materials for the synthesis of new molecules or materials;
• Explore the development and potential applications of low environmental impact chemical processes, such as photochemical and electrochemical organic syntheses, with a view toward carbon neutrality;
• Develop students’ ability to critically assess, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the sustainability of a chemical process, equipping them with methodological tools to evaluate the environmental impact of chemical transformations.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Recognize and understand the main features of sustainable chemistry methodologies reported in the scientific literature;
• Critically analyze published data and studies related to sustainable chemical processes;
• Perform qualitative and/or quantitative assessments of the environmental, economic, and technical sustainability of a chemical process;
• Independently apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis and development of research topics relevant to their PhD studies.

Students must know the fundamental principles related to the properties, structure, and reactivity features of the main classes of organic compounds. It is required that they have achieved the learning outcomes of the Organic Chemistry I and II courses of the Bachelor and Master Degree programs.

1. Platform chemicals and biorefineries – 1.5 hours
2. Glycerol and glycidol – 1.5 hours
3. Sorbitol and isosorbide – 1.5 hours
4. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) – 1.5 hours
5. Carbon capture and storage – 1.5 hours
6. Chemical valorization of CO₂: non-reductive processes – 3 hours
7. CO₂ as a monomer for the preparation of polymeric materials – 3 hours
8. Chemical valorization of CO₂: reductive processes – 3 hours
9. Photochemistry – 3 hours
10. Electrochemistry – 3 hours

The evaluation of the knowledge and skills acquired will be conducted through an oral examination lasting 30–45 minutes, which includes a PowerPoint presentation. During the presentation, the student is required to apply one or more topics covered in the course to their current PhD research interests.
The assessment will focus on the following objectives:
a) Understanding of Green Chemistry principles;
b) Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the overall sustainability of a chemical process;
c) Ability to effectively contextualize sustainability topics within the student’s current research;
d) Proposal of original carbon-neutral synthetic strategies.

oral

Final marks will be assigned based on the level of achievement of the learning objectives, according to the following criteria:
• 18–22: Satisfactory level – basic understanding of the topics covered, limited application of knowledge, and essential communication skills.
• 23–26: Adequate level – sufficient comprehension of the content, good analytical and application skills, clear presentation.
• 27–30: Good to very good level – solid mastery of the material, critical thinking and autonomy in applying knowledge, precise and well-structured exposition.
• 30 cum laude: Excellence – full mastery of the topics, capacity for independent in-depth study, originality in applying knowledge, brilliant and rigorous presentation.

The course will be delivered through two main formats:
a) Lecture-style sessions, during which the theoretical content of the course will be presented;
b) Seminar-style group activities, where students will be assigned specific research topics to explore in small groups. These activities aim to encourage critical discussion, literature analysis, and the presentation of findings to the class, fostering peer interaction and the development of scientific reasoning.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding supportservices and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development