Spectroscopic Instruction in Introductory Organic Chemistry: Results of a National Survey

Abstract

The results of a national survey on the instruction of spectroscopy in the introductory organic chemistry curriculum are reported. The survey was sent to the chemistry departments certified by the American Chemical Society. The survey response rate was 52%. The survey results indicated that the spectroscopic techniques of IR, MS, proton NMR, and carbon NMR are core techniques in most courses. A considerable amount of the instruction in spectroscopy is occurring in both the laboratory and the lecture portions of the course. There is a wide diversity in the style of instruction used for spectroscopic analysis, especially in the laboratory portion of the course.

Unimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution (SN1): Structural Reactivity Evidenced by Colored Acid–Base Indicators

“…Students can record the reaction evolution using information and communicational technologies (ICTs) such as digital photographs and videos to illustrate in their lab reports. Although the product is not purified, the assay is easily scalable for a demonstration by the lab coordinator and could be complemented by the NMR spectral analysis of the reagents and the expected products (Supporting Information, pp S14–S20).…”

Web-Based 2D NMR Spectroscopy Practice Problems

“…In 1999, Alexander et al completed a national survey on the use of spectroscopic analysis in the introductory organic chemistry sequence. 1 At that time, it was clear that a vast majority of schools were teaching students to analyze IR spectroscopy and 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy but only about 10−15% of schools were including 2D NMR spectral techniques. In the past 15 years, the number of laboratory experiments incorporating 2D NMR spectroscopy coupled with analysis has exploded in the chemical literature.…”

1H NMR Spectrum: A Team-Based Tabletop Game for Molecular Structure Elucidation

“…Solving the structures of organic small molecules based on their 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra is a key skill emphasized in undergraduate organic chemistry courses. , Successful structure determination requires students to complete multiple complex tasks: interpreting chemical shifts, splitting patterns, and integrations to solve molecular structures. − The combination of active learning techniques and repeated practice in an enjoyable format may promote students’ abilities to elucidate molecular structure from 1 H NMR spectra. , …”