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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > November  >
In the Laboratory
The Microscale Laboratory
Creatine Synthesis: An Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratory Experiment
Andri L. Smith and Paula Tan
Department of Chemistry, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518

Cover
November 2006
Vol. 83 No. 11
p. 1654

Abstract
Students in introductory chemistry classes typically appreciate seeing the connection between course content and the "real world". For this reason, we have developed a synthesis of creatine monohydrate—a popular supplement used in sports requiring short bursts of energy—for introductory organic chemistry laboratory courses. Creatine monohydrate is easily synthesized from N-methylglycine (sarcosine) and cyanamide in the presence of salt and base. The crude product is purified by recrystallization and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography, melting point, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This synthesis illustrates the electrophilic nature of nitriles, as well as the nucleophilic nature of amines.

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Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
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Citation
Smith, Andri L.; Tan, Paula. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1654.
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Keywords
Amines / Ammonium Compounds; Aqueous Solution Chemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Chromatography; Dyes / Pigments; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Mechanisms of Reactions; Microscale Lab; Organic Chemistry; Second-Year Undergraduate; Thin Layer Chromatography
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
9/19/2006
9/20/2006
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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