APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES AND TOOLS IN GREEN CHEMISTRY TO EDUCATION USING ROSE FLOWER EXTRACT AS ACID-BASE INDICATOR.

Abstract

Currently, there is increasing awareness in global sustainability. To make sure that prospective generations of chemists are fortified with appropriate knowledge on how to safeguard the earth for future generations, substantial efforts and variations in educational programs/curriculum at our various institutions will be needed. Green Chemistry is considered as significant tool to control the rise of hazardous chemicals, encourages revolution of product that are eco-friendly and economically stable. Synthetic chemical used in the laboratory as indicator for acid- base titrations can be switched to using the natural indicators from various flower extract and as well gives accurate results. This study therefore applied the concept of green chemistry principles and tools into chemistry learning to produce acid-base indicator from Rose flower (Rosa sp.) extract by extraction method, then macerated and extracted again in ethanol, n-hexane and chloroform respectively, It was tested in solution of pH 1-12 and found out that Rosa sp is a good replacement for phenolphthalein, methyl red, etc. indicators for different acid and bases. It is then concluded that natural indicators are substitute to synthetic indicator. This therefore reflects green chemistry principles 1, 4, 5, 7, and 12, respectively. The flower is eco-friendly, simple to prepare, pollution free, harmless to health and inert. It was then recommended that institutions should (1) Create awareness of green chemistry principles and tools to their Chemistry students (2) Enforce their Chemistry lecturers to imbibe the use of natural indicators for their various titrations carried out in the institution laboratory to promote sustainable development.