We will start organic qual on the sixth week of lab and your final oral reports for these unknowns will be due by Friday, April 12. This experiment is designed for you to work independently and to think logically about the data you collect working with your unknown compounds. Feel free to ask questions, but remember that your instructor's answers will encourage you to think and use your chemical judgement.
Unknown 1
Your first unknown must be analyzed using wet chemical tests, with
the identity of the compound determined by formation of a
derivative. You should refer to some of the lab texts in the organic lab
or on reserve in the library for procedures. If you are interested
in using spectroscopic methods with this unknown, talk to your
instructor. You will be allowed to use spectroscopic methods
only to confirm your assignment. The report for this unknown will be
an oral test with your instructor. In this short (10 minute)
test period, you will describe your experimental evidence and explain
the reasoning you used in identifying your unknown. Your grade
will be based on the logic of your reasoning and whether you
identify your unknown correctly.
Unknown 2
Your second unknown should be identified spectroscopically. (Note
that this unknown may not appear in the lists found in organic qual
sections of the lab texts you refer to for Unknown 1. You should use
IR and NMR (1H and 13C). You may use wet tests on this compound
if you choose. Your report on this compound will be an oral test
with your instructor. You should bring your spectra and explain
your reasoning. Your grade will be based on the logic of your
reasoning and whether you identify your unknown correctly.