Organic Chemistry and Your Cellphone

By Courtney E. Meyet, Richard J. Hooley

Abstract

This case study guides students through a systematic exploration of the synthesis and properties of poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV), the first conjugated polymer applied as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Students determine how to synthesize a conducting polymer from basic organic chemicals, how to vary its structure to alter the color of emitted light (essential for the creation of color displays), and determine how and why it functions. A classic article from Nature is used to introduce students to the synthesis and properties of PPV, while extracts from more popular sources are used to explain the concepts of electroluminescence and the construction of OLEDs. This case study is designed for a second semester/second quarter organic chemistry course, and is generally presented in the middle of the course. Students will need to be familiar with nucleophilic substitution and elimination, conjugation and UV spectroscopy, aromaticity, electrophilic aromatic substitution, and polymers. An optional PowerPoint presentation, available from the Supplementary Materials tab, can be used to provide a framework for running the class activity, which involves answering questions in small groups.

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Date Posted

09/16/2013

Overview

Objectives

Highlight the relevance of chemistry to current world issues.
Apply basic organic chemistry knowledge to complex, multi-faceted problems.
Develop the ability to critically analyze primary literature and draw conclusions based on the data and evidence contained therein.
Develop the ability to communicate scientific and technical concepts in both written and verbal form to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Assist in the development of fundamental organic chemistry skills such as synthesis, mechanism and orbital symmetry.

Keywords

Organic reactions; luminescence; organic light-emitting diodes; organic materials; polymers

Subject Headings

Organic Chemistry

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Science and the media

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Discussion, Journal Article

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

The optional PowerPoint presentation can be used to provide a framework for running the class activity, which involves answering questions in small groups.

Oled Power Point