The evaluation of rate data is central to the determination of reaction mechanism. Thanks to the �automated� setup, the students calculate rate constants, whether the experiment has been done properly, or not. This contrasts with the organic chemistry laboratory where the m.p. and spectral data of the product are known. In order to remedy this situation, we have chosen the pH-independent hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate in aqueous acetonitrile in order to illustrate that controlling the experimental conditions is a prerequisite to obtain quality kinetic results. We set the (Uv-vis) experiment so that they were able to appreciate the importance of sample agitation and temperature control. We applied the constructivist approach to this experiment in order to teach theory, namely reaction mechanism; meaning of isosbestic point; effects of solvent on reactivity. The results, as evidenced by the students� evaluation, were highly positive because they actively participated in the experiment

Teaching chemistry from good and (why not?) faulty results: Kinetics of the pH-independent hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate

245th National Meeting (2013)

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