In a multi-outcome experiment (MOE), there is at least one modifiable unknown component for students to identify. In this amide synthesis experiment, undergraduate students will use an unknown amine to react with acetic anhydride on aluminum oxide catalyst. After purification and characterization of the final amide product using melting point determination, IR and NMR spectroscopy, students were required to identify the amine starting material. 1H HNMR spectra were collected during lab period using benchtop NMR. This experiment helps bridge the gap between NMR theory taught in the lecture and practice with laboratory samples. MOEs required students' independent thinking ability and spectra analysis skills. It also help increase students' ownership of lab reports and provided them with a unique lab experience.

Amide synthesis on aluminum oxide catalyst: Incorporation of benchtop NMR to bring multi-outcome experiments to a new level

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.