20806266Organic Chemistry 1 Lab
Course Information
Description
This course covers traditional material taught in Organic Chemistry, as well as basic organic laboratory techniques, including correct documentation of work in a laboratory notebook, thin layer chromatography, distillation, recrystallization and separations. It will also include various characterization techniques, including IR, gas chromatography, melting point determination, and refractometry. Lastly, it will cover many of the organic transformations and mechanisms covered in most basic organic chemistry lecture courses, including: substitution and elimination reactions, esterification, and a multi-step extractions. This course will also include a presentation component.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Document lab experiments in a standard format in a laboratory notebook
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab assignments
    Criteria
    The notebook contains an accurate and complete index
    The notebook includes an experimental objective, introduction with relevant theory and reaction schemes, chemical safety and disposal information, an accurate table of reference data, procedural details, and all necessary data tables prior to the beginning of each experiment
    Each completed experiment is accurately documented
    Each experiment's report is complete
    All sections of each report are substantive and accurate
    Each report includes a concise discussion indicating whether or not the experimental objective was met based on experimental results
    The information given in the notebook is sufficient to allow another individual with comparable skill and experience to replicate the experiment

  2. Identify structures of unknown chemicals using infrared (IR) spectroscopy
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    IR spectra include a complete, accurate and specific title
    IR spectra include peaks labeled with relevant molecular vibrations
    IR spectra include the proposed structure consistent with the spectrum
    IR spectra are accompanied by a database match, along with percent similarity comparing the experimental spectra to reference spectra
    Matching peaks found in both the experimental and database spectra are highlighted

  3. Identify structures of solids using melting point analysis
    Assessment Strategies
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    By demonstrated lab performance
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    In lab reports
    Criteria
    The literature value for melting point of the pure substance is documented
    The melting range is correctly measured using a melting point apparatus
    The average melting range and melting “point” are correctly calculated based on experimental data
    The percent deviation between the experimental and literature melting points is correctly calculated based on experimental data
    A concise comparison of the experimental and reference melting point is included in the laboratory report
    The relative purity of the substance is assessed based on the width of the melting range and the percent deviation in the melting point

  4. Separate components from a liquid mixture using distillation techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    A simple distillation apparatus is correctly assembled
    A fractional distillation apparatus is correctly assembled
    A binary mixture is successfully separated using simple distillation
    A binary mixture is successfully separated using fractional distillation
    Characterization techniques, such as thin layer chromatography, refractometry, infrared spectroscopy, and/or gas chromatography are utilized to confirm identity and purity of isolated components from the mixture

  5. Separate components of a solid mixture using thin layer chromatography (TLC)
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    The components of a thin layer chromatography experiment, including the stationary phase, mobile phase, etc., are identified
    The retardation factor (Rf) of substances is accurately measured
    The percent deviation in the retardation factor is accurately calculated
    The components of a mixture are identified using standards
    The purity of a sample is assessed using the results of TLC analysis

  6. Identify an unknown chemical using refractometry
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    The refractive index of substances is accurately determined using a refractometer
    The experimentally measured refractive index is corrected to allow comparison to a reference refractive index
    The percent deviation in the refractive index is accurately calculated
    The corrected refractive index is used to confirm the identity of an unknown substance

  7. Identify components of a mixture using gas chromatography (GC)
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    Samples are prepared for injection into the gas chromatograph
    Samples are effectively analyzed using a gas chromatograph
    Accurate retention times are measured for each component of a mixture
    Accurate retention times are measured for standards of each potential component of a mixture
    The percent deviation in the retention time is accurately calculated
    The identity of each component in a mixture is accurately identified
    The purity of a sample is assessed based on the experimental chromatogram

  8. Purify a sample using recrystallization
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    Determine appropriate recrystallization solvent(s) for a given sample
    Perform a recrystallization of a solid sample
    Recover the purified solid using vacuum filtration
    Perform appropriate analyses on the recrystallized solid to assess its purity

  9. Evaluate the purity of a final purified sample chemical
    Assessment Strategies
    In lab reports
    In pre-laboratory assessments
    By demonstrated lab performance
    On a written test/lab practical exam
    Criteria
    Appropriate method(s) of analysis are chosen for a given sample
    A qualitative analysis of the purity of a sample is presented based upon the results of each method of analysis
    A quantitative analysis of the purity of a sample is presented based upon the results of each method of analysis

  10. Present experimental results in the format of a Journal of Organic Chemistry communication
    Assessment Strategies
    In a written paper
    Criteria
    Paper has a succinct and descriptive title
    Abstract details experimental objective, techniques and analyses used, and highlights key experimental findings
    Introduction provides relevant background materials necessary to understand relevant theory for interpreting experimental findings
    Data is presented in numbered data tables, which include a descriptive title
    All figures include a figure number, descriptive title, and a succinct description
    Discussion section carefully analyzes experimental findings, using data and calculations as appropriate
    Conclusion statement includes key results
    Conclusion statement indicates whether or not the experimental objective was met
    In-text citations are used as appropriate
    References are included, following referencing guidelines outlined in "The ACS Style Guide"
    Experimental details in appendix are presented in a manner consistent with a Journal of Organic Chemistry communication
    Relevant calculations are presented in the appendix