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Chemistry 236 Multi-step Synthesis Spring 2008 |
S. Murphree (smurphre@allegheny.edu) C.215 Doane Hall of Chemistry 332-5358 Office Hours: MTuThF 11 am - noon, W 1 - 2 pm, Th 8:30 - 9:30 pm and by appt |
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The Honor Code is in effect for all activities, assignments, and reports. |
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General Philosophy |
This laboratory experience is designed to develop
skills for those students who will need to carry out synthetic organic
chemistry in an independent setting at some later time. It is required
for organic comp students, and is also appropriate for any other comp
students anticipating synthetic work and/or students who will be applying
for graduate school or industrial positions involving laboratory synthesis.
The structure of the course is designed to foster independence, so
there is a minimum of “cookbook” chemistry. You will not be spoon-fed
information, and you will often be required to make critical assessment
of results which have no “right answer”. In short, the aim is to equip
you with the tools necessary to be successful in a laboratory-based
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Specific Goals |
An adept experimentalist is often described as having good hands.
This is an allusion to meticulous technique and attention to detail
necessary for any reproducible result in the laboratory. However,
this is only part of the story—a good chemist must not only be able
to execute a complex procedure, but he/she must also have the knowledge
to design a reasonable experiment and to interpret the results obtained.
This course has several specific goals aimed at developing these abilities:
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Reports |
Four reports are due throughout the semester, each
one with a slightly different format. Detailed guidelines regarding
format can be found in the lab manual, and these guidelines must be
followed explicitly. All pertinent spectra must be properly labeled
and attached to the report. All purified compounds must also be submitted
at the end of the lab, so make sure you keep track of them! Lab reports
will be graded on content, format, documentation (e.g., spectra, etc.),
as well as the yield and purity of the compounds, where appropriate.
Reports are due on the dates indicated-late work will result in grade
reduction.
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Experimental Plan |
Before you begin each module, you must submit a detailed
experimental plan. This plan includes specific goals and activities
for each lab session and a list of special equipment needed. You will
be graded not only on the quality of this document, but also on how
well you track it over the course of the lab. In other words, it must
comprehensive and realistic.
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Preparation & |
The success of any experiment depends upon technique,
and every aspect of lab work has a technical component, including the
preparation of glassware, assembly of apparatus, weighing & charging
reagents, work-up, purification, labeling, and documentation. You must
learn to be absolutely uncompromising about technical expertise, so
attention to pre-lab tips is vital. Just plain sloppiness will impact
both technique and safety (see below).
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Notebook |
The laboratory notebook is an indispensable tool for
the organic chemist and it is therefore a central element of this lab.
Detailed instructions for keeping a lab notebook are in the lab manual-you
are responsible for this information. A duplicating notebook is required
for this course. You must turn in copies of your notebook pages before
leaving lab each day-no exceptions. Failure to turn in your copies will
result in a notebook grade of zero for the day.
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Safety |
This category includes: a) your safety, b) the safety
of your labmates, and c) the working order of the equipment. You will
be held responsible for the proper use of personal protective equipment,
for example, safety glasses, gloves, splash and blast shields, etc,
and generally minimizing your exposure to any laboratory chemicals.
In addition, you must maintain a safe working environment in the lab.
This includes things such as labeling your samples, keeping your lab
drawers pushed in (this is a trip hazard), behaving responsibly, and
the proper storage, labeling, & disposal of waste (waste should
be minimized as much as possible). Never operate equipment in such a
way that might result in personal injury or in damage to the apparatus.
Don’t take safety for granted!
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Withdrawal |
The last day to withdraw from the course without penalty
is Tuesday, 19 February. After that deadline, dropping the class
will result in a failing grade. Please take this to heart.
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Grading |
The final grade will be computed on the following basis (no curves!):
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