This experiment presents a great way to introduce synthesis, spectroscopy, solvatochromism, and computational chemistry as a wet lab/dry lab combination in sophomore Organic Chemistry laboratory. The experiment involves base catalyzed synthesis of merocyanine dye, recrystallization and structural determination using spectroscopic methods. Seven solvents of varying polarity are used to study the effect of solvent polarity on merocyanine dye. Students make visual observations of color changes as well as study the effect using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Spartan computational program is used to compute dipole moments of the same solvents. Students learn and apply both theoretical and practical data collected from this experiment to explain the effect of solvent polarity on solvatochromic dye. Literature survey, critical thinking, data analysis, report writing and group work skills are developed during this experiment. UV-Visible and visual analysis of solutions helps visual learners and student engagement.

Synthesis and analysis of merocyanine dye: A wet/dry lab approach in undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory

255th National Meeting (2018)

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