The goal of Topics in Green Chemistry is to provide a forum for dissemination of the latest curricular developments in green chemistry. Submissions are invited in all areas of green chemistry, such as more environmentally benign laboratory experiments, case studies, strategies for incorporating green chemistry into the curriculum, and student research projects in green chemistry.

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry is primarily a conceptual framework rather than a separate branch of chemistry, one that guides chemists in practicing chemistry in a more environmentally responsible manner. All students, from grade school to graduate school, should be aware of the potential for chemistry to solve some of the world’s most serious environmental problems. Green chemistry also provides an excellent platform for collaborations with colleagues in other disciplines, such as biology, economics, engineering, policy, and ethics.

The integration of green chemistry into the curriculum is hindered by a relative lack of green chemistry curricular materials. See the bibliography below for a number of excellent resources already exist.

The need for new materials is significant, particularly those that seamlessly integrate green chemistry into existing courses without adding to an already over-crowded curriculum.

Articles focusing on all aspects of green chemistry education are welcome. This includes information on:

• Interdisciplinary courses with a green chemistry component
• Stand-alone green chemistry courses
• Green chemistry laboratory experiments
• Greener demonstrations
• Engaging students in green chemistry research
• Incorporating green chemistry into existing courses
• Case studies in green chemistry
• Materials development in green chemistry

Guidelines for submitting manuscripts to this feature column may be found in the JCE Guide to Submissions.

Details on laboratory experiments should follow the JCE Supplemental Guidelines for Lab Experiment Manuscripts.

Publications

• Anastas, P. T.; Warner, J. C. Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice; Oxford University Press: New York, 1998.
• Cann, M. C.; Connelly, M. E. Real-World Cases in Green Chemistry; American Chemical Society: Washington, 2000.
• Heinhorst, S.; Cannon, G. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 150.
• Hjeresen, D. L.; Schutt, D. L.; Boese, J. M. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 1543.
• Reed, S. M.; Hutchison, J. E. J. Chem. Educ. 2000, 77, 1627.
• Cann, M. C. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 1639.
• Collins, T. J. J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 965

Websites

• American Chemical Society
  http://www.acs.org/education/greenchem
• Green Chemistry Institute
  http://www.acs.org/greenchemistryinstitute
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/greenchemistry/index.htm
• Green Chemistry Network
  http://www.chemsoc.org/networks/gcn/
• University of Oregon
  http://www.uoregon.edu/~hutchlab/greenchem/