In the first 3-h lab period, all students prepared the catalyst
(Scheme 1). After the synthesis of the catalyst was complete, a
class discussion to determine the various reaction conditions for
the oxidation of anthracene was conducted. In the second lab
period, the students used the catalyst to oxidize anthracene. The
oxidation procedure was based on work reported by Men’shikov
and co-workers,2 but the reaction time was reduced so that the
oxidation and separation could be completed in a 3-h period. To
investigate the activity of VO(acac)2 as a catalyst for oxidation,
students used different reaction conditions determined in the
class discussion during the first week. The individual data
generated from the catalysis reactions were shared by the entire
class. While the reaction was refluxing, the students examined the
catalyst in different solvents. A portion of the third lab period was
required for purifying the oxidation products and recording
yields.3