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.