69081 - Organic Chemistry Lab

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, the student is able to perform a simple organic reaction on the basis of a procedure known 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.

- Equipments.

- 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, using polarimetry analysis and melting point.

- Synthesis of some simple organic compounds

- Experimental test for the recognition of main functional groups.

- Identification of functional groups by infrared spectroscopy.

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

- 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)

Robert 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 experimental reactions are designed with students, discussing best methods for the correct execution and the most appropriate techniques for the isolation and identification of simple organic compounds are discussed. The presence at lessons is compulsory, at the end of the first part of the course only students who attended lessons will be allowed to enter in the lab, since they know the work procedures and the safety rules.

 Attendance to exercises is compulsory and verified by signature.

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

 Absence to a maximum of two afternoons at exercises in the classroom and laboratory experiences is admitted upon presentation of a justified reason.

Assessment methods

Students' learning will be assessed through questionnaires that will be proposed after each laboratory experience. The evaluation of the questionnaires will have the total weight of one  point on the final score of the evaluation for the laboratory module.

The assessment of learning takes place through the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills expected thorough a written test .

The written exam consists of some questions (6-10) concerning both the theory of organic chemistry and the isolation of pure products from complex mixtures, stoichiometric calculations, chromatographic and spectroscopic identification of organic compounds and details of the chemical experiences carried out in the laboratory.

The written test is passed if the student achieves a score of at least 18/30. The students will complete the test through an oral disussion.

Teaching tools

The lessons are presented to students through PC connected to projector. The slides are made ​​available to the student through the web page of the University. A  mailing list, through which the teacher can provide students with additional material, clarification or send communications will be created.

During the laboratory experiments, the students are requested to provide for the personal laboratory coat. All other personal protective equipments and all the materials necessary for the execution of the experiences are provided by the teacher. Each student will be also provided of  copy of the experimental procedure (already explained in class) of the experience to be performed in the laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Tolomelli

See the website of Matteo Calvaresi