Scaffolded Structure Determination Activities Utilizing 2D NMR Spectroscopy of Simple Organic Molecules

Abstract

A structured series of activities has been designed and implemented to promote analysis and data reporting skills for second-year organic chemistry students. Student report sheets were developed to assist students in reporting necessary data for their compounds. A series of rubrics have been utilized by students to promote metacognition and by faculty to promote equitable evaluation. Complete spectral data has been provided for twenty-one student samples; however, the report sheets and rubrics could be used with any unknown organic molecule. In addition to traditional 1D NMR spectra ( 1 H, 13 C, DEPT-135), 2D NMR spectroscopy data ( 1 H− 1 H COSY and 1 H− 13 C HSQC) has been incorporated into a structure determination laboratory experiment for secondyear organic chemistry students. The experiment described here has been delivered both as both an in-person classroom activity and a remote laboratory experience.