69081 - Organic Chemistry Lab

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, the student is able to perform a simple organic chemistry reaction on the basis of a known procedure in agreement with the safety standards. He knows how to perform standard separations and purifications (crystallization, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction), he knows how to perform identifications with the use of fundamental instrumental techniques (infrared spectroscopy, melting point, polarimetry, 1H NMR).

Course contents

- Safety in chemical laboratories.

- Lab equipments.

- Reaction design and set up.

- Separation and purification techniques : distillation, fractional distillation, steam distillation, crystallization, filtration, extraction.

- Experimental application of separation and purification techniques to the extraction of organic compounds from natural sources.

- Techniques for the identification of organic compounds: thin layer chromatography, polarimetry and melting point.

- Synthesis of some simple organic compounds.

- Identification of functional groups by infrared spectroscopy.

- 1H NMR spectroscopy: theoretical overview, interpretation and prediction of the proton spectrum of a simple organic compound.

- Application of identification techniques to the characterization of the products obtained from the experimental work in the laboratory.

Readings/Bibliography

• R. M. Roberts, J. C. Gilbert, S. F. Martin, Chimica Organica Sperimentale, Zanichelli (Bologna)

• M. D'Ischia, La Chimica Organica in Laboratorio, Piccin (Padova)

• R. Silverstein, Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds, Wiley

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures during which all the topics reported in the program section are presented and discussed and in classroom exercises, during which the experimental reactions that will be carried out in the laboratory by the students are presented and discussed.

During the classroom exercises, the experimental reactions will be designed with the students, discussing the best methods for the correct execution and the most appropriate techniques for the isolation and identification of simple organic compounds.

The presence at both lectures and classroom exercises is compulsory, verified by signature (3 absences allowed). At the end of the first part of the course only students who attended the lessons will be allowed to enter in the lab, since they know the work procedures and the safety rules.

The course also consists in the execution of laboratory experiments (eight afternoons for each student) during which the students will work in pairs and will realize simple organic syntheses, assisted by the teacher, by a tutor and by the technical staff of the Department. The attendance to laboratory experience is compulsory and verified by signature (2 absences allowed).

Assessment methods

The course 69080 - CHIMICA ORGANICA 2 together with the course 69081 - LABORATORIO DI CHIMICA ORGANICA form the integrated course of CHIMICA ORGANICA 2 CON LABORATORIO (C.I.).

The assessment of learning takes place through the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of expected knowledge and skills, thorough a written test (2 hours, no handouts or books are allowed) and an oral discussion (30 minutes).

The written test consists of 10 questions, 6 relative to the 69080 course and 4 relative to the 69081 course. Each question allows a maximum of 3 points to be obtained.

The written test is passed if the student achieves a score of at least 18/30. Only in this case, the student will complete the test through the oral disussion.

The oral exam consists of the discussion of two main topics, one per teaching unit. The oral exam lasts about 30 minutes. To get the top score the student must posses good scientific language, readiness in dealing with the question, and provide adequate answers.

The student's final score is calculated as the arithmetic average of his/her written and oral test scores.

Starting from the academic year 2019-2020 it is possible to attend the "partial" exam of the course 69081 - LABORATORY OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY at the end of the course.

Teaching tools

The lessons are presented to students with the aid of multimedia supports. The slides are available for the students through the course web page of the Bologna University (IOL).

Teacher notices and additional material are also published on the course web page.

During the laboratory experiments, the students are requested to provide for the personal laboratory coat. All other personal protective equipments, all the lab equipments and all the materials necessary for the execution of the experiences are provided by the teacher.

Each student is required to sign a declaration concerning safety and health at work, which certifies that the student has received the required training to work in the laboratory.

Each student is also provided of copy of the experimental procedure (already explained in classroom) of the experience to be performed in the laboratory. The procedure is briefly discussed, highlighting the critical issues, before starting to operate.

Office hours

See the website of Arianna Quintavalla

See the website of Matteo Calvaresi