Design and Exploration of Iron Salt-Catalyzed Synthesis of Chromene[2,3-b] Indoles as a Laboratory Experiment for Undergraduates

Abstract

Integrating new synthetic methods and experimental techniques from the latest research reports into undergraduate laboratory experiments is of great significance, as it enables students to learn the cutting-edge technology of organic chemistry and cultivates their experimental skills and innovative thinking. In this study, an experiment on the iron salt-catalyzed synthesis of chromone [2,3-b] indole derivatives, based on the latest report, was developed to train senior undergraduate students’ experimental skills and increase their basic knowledge in organic synthesis, especially those majoring in Organic Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, among others. Incorporating this experiment into laboratory activities can strengthen students’ fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry, including Grignard reaction, substitution, addition, carbocation, tautomerism, intramolecular cyclization, and elimination, and enhance their skills in modern organic synthesis techniques, such as Schlenk technology for anhydrous and anaerobic operation, thin-layer chromatography for monitoring reaction progress, and column chromatography for the separation and purification of products. Additionally, this approach can help cultivate students’ scientific thinking and creativity and stimulate their enthusiasm for scientific research. The feasibility of introducing this latest scientific achievement into undergraduate laboratory experiments was verified by randomly selecting 12 undergraduates majoring in Applied Chemistry as pretest samples. The assessment results showed that the product yield obtained by different groups of students ranged from 72.6% to 85.8%, indicating a relatively high level of achievement, and the average score of the post-test was 81, which is a satisfactory outcome for such a comprehensive experiment.

Basic Electrochemistry Meets Molecular Recognition: Hands-On Experiment of Cortisol Detection Using Carbon Paste Electrode Prepared by Molecular Imprinting Technology for Undergraduates

“…Students also acquired data processing software such as Origin and Z-view for data analysis. The teacher observed and guided students’ experimental operations and recorded assessments. , …”

“…Students also acquired data processing software such as Origin and Z-view for data analysis. The teacher observed and guided students’ experimental operations and recorded assessments. , Experimental Results and Postclass Questions. Students from various groups summarized and analyzed the experimental results and correctly plotted cyclic voltammetry curves of the three electrodes before and after binding to cortisol as well as cyclic voltammetry curves of MIP/CPE after binding to different concentrations of cortisol and the corresponding standard curves.…”

Improving Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratories through Integration with Research: Prospects and a Model Study

“…Even if we downplay the probable impact anticipated with these developments, there are problems with our current organic chemistry laboratories that are historical, as discussed in a 2004 commentary by Mohrig, and the embodiment of a solution is still not clearly in sight. Most recently proposed lab activities in this and other educational journals still very much emphasize new chemistry and technical improvements with a definitive organic chemistry theme. − Overall, relatively few studies have touched on the issue of training students to enable organic chemistry in a real-world lab, where everything may not be perfect or intuitive.…”