Module III. Sustainable Adhesives from Soybean Oil: A Green Chemistry Laboratory Experiment

Module III presents two laboratory experiments drawn from recent primary literature publications and incorporates novel green chemistry syntheses. The first experiment involves the epoxidation of soybean oil using Oxone® and acetone (to generate dimethyl dioxirane) as the oxidizing agent. This chemistry was introduced in the “Exploring Techno-Economic Assessments” case study and can be paired with that curriculum for an integrated learning experience. In the second experiment, the epoxidized soybean oil is crossed linked with malic acid and tannic acid to produce an adhesive derived entirely from natural feedstocks. Reported in Nature in 2023, this innovative chemistry provides an excellent example of bio-inspired design of new sustainable materials. Additionally, a laboratory activity was designed to be performed as a ‘dry-lab’ after the second experiment. In the case where the laboratory experiment is not performed to generate data for the activity, the sample data in the instructor’s guide may be given to students.