Exploring Green Chemistry Metrics with Interlocking Building Block Molecular Models

A classroom activity for learning green chemistry metrics with interlocking building blocks is described. The activity illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of conversion, selectivity, yield, atom economy, reaction mass efficiency, carbon efficiency, E-factor, and effective mass yield by counting, where appropriate, the number of molecular models built, the number of bricks used, or the number of connection points available. The activity is appropriate for students in general chemistry courses through advanced undergraduate green chemistry or industrial chemistry courses.