Module: Organic Chemistry Lab & Spectroscopic Workshop

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Organic Chemistry Lab & Spectroscopic Workshop
Module Code	CHM1021 (ITS: CS261)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	18	Laboratory experiments (synthesis and analysis) and overall performance in analytical chemistry laboratories.
Independent Study	95	Background 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.
Lecture	12	Spectroscopic workshop
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10253	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ruairí Brannigan	Module Teacher	Mary Pryce

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Organic experimental laboratory reports	50%	Every Week
Participation	Interpretation and problem-solving in the spectroscopic workshop plus assignments.	50%	Every Week

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	a,
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

John Gallagher and Vincent Hooper: 0, Laboratory manual, 2020,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None