The use of spectroscopy in establishing the structures of molecules is an important component of the first course in Organic Chemistry. However, the point in the course at which these techniques are best introduced remains uncertain. We suggest that carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy should be introduced at an early stage of the lecture course, specifically while studying the alkanes, and used extensively for structure determination throughout the course. A laboratory activity illustrating the use of proton-decoupled, APT ("attached proton test"), and DEPT ("distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer") spectra in determining the structure of an unknown C6 or C7 hydrocarbon is presented. A laboratory management plan which ensures that each student will have "hands-on" experience with the FT-NMR spectrometer is also described.
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Citation
Reeves, Perry C.; Chaney, Chris P. J. Chem. Educ.1998 75 1006.
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