Abstract: This study introduces a novel and environmentally friendly organic chemistry experiment that integrates cutting-edge research into academic practice. The experiment involves the direct conversion of triphenylmethanol to oxime ethers, catalyzed by phosphotungstic acid, a green solid acid, with dimethyl carbonate serving as a sustainable solvent. At room temperature, triphenylmethanol reacts with benzophenone oxime to yield oxime ethers and water. The influence of catalyst concentration on the reaction yield is systematically examined. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism — specifically, a nucleophilic substitution proceeding through a carbocation intermediate — is inferred based on catalytic conversion verification and UV spectroscopic analysis. This experiment offers several advantages, including green chemistry principles, mild reaction conditions, and relevance to current research. It enhances students’ experimental competencies, fosters environmental awareness, and sparks interest in scientific research and innovation, making it highly suitable for university-level instruction.

Key words: Direct conversion of alcohols, Green chemistry, Phosphotungstic acid, Nucleophilic substitution reaction