NMR is an indispensable tool for structure analysis. Foundational concepts used to determine molecular structure by NMR include chemical shift correlation and spin-spin coupling. We have developed student-centered, active learning tools based on a logically selected set of 34 esters suited to <sup>1</sup>H NMR analysis by undergraduates that allow these students to construct for themselves a transitive meaning for these foundational concepts. Students are then better prepared to apply the foundations of NMR analysis to more complicated spectroscopy problems. These learning tools rely both on knowledge of electronegativity and nuclear spin as foundational concepts used to determine molecular structure by NMR and on the comparative analysis of actual NMR data. The ester functional group provides excellent chemical shift dispersion so that in all but one case to be discussed all of the peaks are resolved and first-order coupling is observed. In this presentation we will explicate our in-class and in-laboratory, hands-on methods in which students construct concepts of correlation, experience all examples of spin-spin splitting for <i>N</i> = 0‑6, and, as a bonus, practice ester nomenclature and line-angle drawing.

Students using esters to construct for themselves the concepts of chemical shift correlation and spin-spin coupling

249th National Meeting (2015)

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