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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Organic Chem Lab & Spectroscopic Workshop
Module Code CS261
School School of Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ruairí Brannigan
Semester 2: Ruairí Brannigan
Autumn: Ruairí Brannigan
Module TeachersKieran Nolan
Mary Pryce
Nessan Kerrigan
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

The purpose of this module is the development of manipulative and observational skills through experimental procedures in multistage organic syntheses and utilising a wide range of spectroscopic methods. Experience and application of spectroscopic methods to routine product examination. A reinforcing of the understanding and knowledge of various aspects of the 2nd year organic lectures. A thorough grounding of all aspects of the practical interpretation of infra-red and proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform basic synthetic organic chemical and analytical laboratory experiments.
2. Use a range of chemistry and analytical laboratory instrumentation.
3. Analyse the experimental data and write a comprehensive laboratory report discussing the importance and relevance of the experimental results.
4. Illustrate the organic chemical reactions with the REACTION MECHANISM and comprehend the chemical reactions undertaken in each experiment.
5. Discuss the chemical reaction and illustrate the reaction mechanism.
6. Analyse and interpret the infra-red and proton (1H) NMR spectra of simple organic molecules.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Laboratory18Laboratory experiments (synthesis and analysis) and overall performance in analytical chemistry laboratories.
Independent Study95Background chemistry reading of experiments and reaction mechanisms; assigned reading materials; video and online/hybrid learning and reviews, chemical analysis with writing and submission of analytical laboratory reports.
Lecture12Spectroscopic workshop
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Organic chemistry laboratory experiments
SYNTHESIS. Several synthetic chemistry experiments will be undertaken. These are intended to illustrate relevant and interesting aspects of theory and techniques. Some examples include: 1. Conversion of acetanilide to sulphanilamide via the intermediacy of 4-acetamidobenzene sulphonamide; diazo coupling of sulphanilamide with 2-naphthol. 2. Conversion of benzaldehyde to stilbene via the intermediacy of 1,2-diphenylethanol using Grignard reagent; crossed aldol condensation of benzaldehyde and acetone. 3. Oxidation reactions, for example cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone; steam distillation; adipic acid formation. 4. Reduction reactions, for example, reduction of benzoin obtained from benzoin condensation, reduction of benzil, borohydride reductions. 5. Electrophilic aromatic substitution, e.g. Friedel-Crafts alkylation, benzypyridine nitration to give a photochromic material, Sandmeyer reaction, e.g. anthranilic acid to o-iodobenzoic acid. 6. Protection and deprotection groups in organic syntheses. 7. Malonic ester chemistry. 8. Preparation of E,Z-stilbenes using the Wittig reaction: use of flash chromatography. 9. Preparation of dimedone and derivatives/recrystallisation techniques. QUALITATIVE ORGANIC ANALYSIS. Precise identification of a number of unknown organic substances using combinations of screening tests, confirmatory tests for functional groups, derivative formation and spectroscopic analysis.

Spectroscopic workshop
Problem solving and analysis of infra-red and proton NMR spectra.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentOrganic experimental laboratory reports50%Every Week
ParticipationInterpretation and problem-solving in the spectroscopic workshop plus assignments.50%Every Week
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2
Indicative Reading List

  • John Gallagher and Vincent Hooper: 0, Laboratory manual, 2020,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ASBSc in Analytical Science
Date of Last Revision02-FEB-11
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