DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b00410

Summary
This paper presents a laboratory experiment that introduces students to an important reaction in biomass valorization and allows them to gain a practical understanding of green chemistry. Acid-catalyzed dehydration reactions of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and thus humins were performed both with and without aqueous solvent, along with two different catalysts (Amberlyst-15 and alumina). Students compare and analyze the effects of the different conditions using thin-layer chromatography, and thus can understand the concepts of catalysis and circular economy.
The laboratory experiment outlined in this work is a chance for students to apply systems thinking and green chemistry principles to one of the common challenges facing a promising method for sustainability in the chemical industry. The proposed experiment also provided hands-on practice for common organic chemistry techniques and reactions with sugar dehydration. This should be a step into bringing students to critically view the dark side of the traditional acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass: the formation of humins.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper deals with systems thinking and sustainable development.
Systems thinking (i.e., holistic research and learning) is advancing as a complementary approach to a reductionist view of a research area. It points out that systems thinking can significantly contribute to improving sustainability at a global level by considering each consequence that may arise from a research topic.
Authors claim that there is constant pressure to shift from a petrol-based economy to a sustainable development as a result of climate change, impoverishment of traditional sources, overexploitation, and increased levels of pollution.

Point of Strength
The strength of the publication is the presentation of different versions of a reaction in biomass valorization, that allows students to compare and analyze the effects of different conditions thus grasping the concepts of catalysis and circular economy.