In this work, an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment based on thermal cracking of glycerin is proposed. The reagent is obtained as a by-product from the practice of biodiesel synthesis, and allows reduction of waste produced in the lab. The main product obtained from thermal cracking was characterized by GC analysis as acrolein. This substance was also identified by chemical derivatization as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone, allowing a combined experiment of identification by synthesis of the derivative.
Keywords:
glycerin; thermal cracking; chemistry education
