The student will be able to:
A. Safely handle and dispose of hazardous organic chemicals
B. Acquire skill in laboratory techniques common to experimental organic chemistry
C. Acquire and interpret spectroscopic data, including NMR, IR, and GC-MS
D. Provide a rationale for each step in an experimental design
E. Analyze data to discern the validity of a hypothesis
F. Communicate clearly using the language of organic chemistry
G. Work constructively and collaboratively in groups

A. Safely handle and dispose of hazardous organic chemicals
1. Research the Material Safety Data Sheets of chemicals
2. Categorize chemicals according to their compatibility
B. Acquire skill in laboratory techniques common to experimental organic chemistry. Representative projects may include the following or an alternative of equal complexity:
1. α,β-unsaturated ketones via aldol condensation using unknown aldehydes and ketones
2. Ester synthesis via Fischer esterification of unknown alcohols
3. Amine synthesis via selective reduction of 4-nitroacetophenone
4. Multi-step synthesis: formation of hydrobenzoin acetonide from benzaldehyde
5. Qualitative analysis of unknowns by chemical diagnostic testing
C. Acquire and interpret spectroscopic data, including NMR, IR, and GC-MS
1. Routine acquisition of 1H NMR and IR spectra following isolation of organic products
2. Analysis of 1H NMR data. Applications may include but are not limited to:
a. Acquisition of 13C NMR of organic unknowns
b. Utilizing 1H NMR spectra to determine equilibrium constants between acetate esters and their associated alcohols
c. Analyze GC-MS data of a general organic unknown to confirm its identity
D. Provide a rationale for each step in an experimental design
1. Independent strategic planning of experimental procedures
2. Evaluate procedural steps to identify consequences of errors and to propose alternative approaches
E. Analyze data to discern the validity of a hypothesis
1. Determine the stereoselectivity of a reaction through NMR analysis following derivative formation as in borohydride reduction of hydrobenzoin under conditions of kinetic control
2. Formulate a strategy to deduce the identity of an unknown organic compound based on its properties and chemical reactivity alone
F. Communicate clearly using the language of organic chemistry
1. Maintain complete and accurate records of experimental data and observations
2. Prepare written laboratory reports
3. Research and present chemical safety and handling precautions (SDS reports)

A. Safely handle and dispose of hazardous organic chemicals
1. Research the Material Safety Data Sheets of chemicals
2. Categorize chemicals according to their compatibility
B. Acquire skill in laboratory techniques common to experimental organic chemistry. Representative projects may include the following or an alternative of equal complexity:
1. α,β-unsaturated ketones via aldol condensation using unknown aldehydes and ketones
2. Ester synthesis via Fischer esterification of unknown alcohols
3. Amine synthesis via selective reduction of 4-nitroacetophenone
4. Multi-step synthesis: formation of hydrobenzoin acetonide from benzaldehyde
5. Qualitative analysis of unknowns by chemical diagnostic testing
C. Acquire and interpret spectroscopic data, including NMR, IR, and GC-MS
1. Routine acquisition of 1H NMR and IR spectra following isolation of organic products
2. Analysis of 1H NMR data. Applications may include but are not limited to:
a. Acquisition of 13C NMR of organic unknowns
b. Utilizing 1H NMR spectra to determine equilibrium constants between acetate esters and their associated alcohols
c. Analyze GC-MS data of a general organic unknown to confirm its identity
D. Provide a rationale for each step in an experimental design
1. Independent strategic planning of experimental procedures
2. Evaluate procedural steps to identify consequences of errors and to propose alternative approaches
E. Analyze data to discern the validity of a hypothesis
1. Determine the stereoselectivity of a reaction through NMR analysis following derivative formation as in borohydride reduction of hydrobenzoin under conditions of kinetic control
2. Formulate a strategy to deduce the identity of an unknown organic compound based on its properties and chemical reactivity alone
F. Communicate clearly using the language of organic chemistry
1. Maintain complete and accurate records of experimental data and observations
2. Prepare written laboratory reports
3. Research and present chemical safety and handling precautions (SDS reports)

The student will demonstrate proficiency by:
A. Writing laboratory reports
B. Demonstrating skill in safe handling of organic chemicals
C. Written examination on course content
D. Presenting research into chemical hazards
E. Presenting solutions to problems

During periods of instruction the student will be:
A. Actively participating in lecture/discussion
B. Collaborating with peers in group work

Mohrig, Jerry R. Laboratory Techniques in Organic Chemistry: Supporting Inquiry-driven Experiments. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman, 2014.
Pavia, D., G. Kriz, and G. Lampman. A Microscale Approach to Organic Laboratory Techniques. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2018.
 

A. Written preliminary analysis of experimental procedure
B. Data analysis to draw conclusions about a chemical reaction
C. Laboratory reports: A logical, concise discussion of data that is analyzed to draw a conclusion about the purpose of the experiment