Organic Synthesis — Building Carbon-Based Molecules
11 experiments
Organic synthesis experiments teach students to construct carbon-based molecules through controlled reactions. From simple esterification (making fruit-scented esters) to multi-step synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, these experiments develop practical skills in reaction setup, purification, and characterization that are essential for careers in chemistry, pharmacology, and materials science.
Learning Objectives
Master fundamental organic techniques: reflux, distillation, extraction, recrystallization, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Understand reaction mechanisms (SN1, SN2, electrophilic addition), calculate theoretical yields, determine percent yield, and assess product purity using melting point and spectroscopic methods.
Key Techniques
Reflux prevents solvent loss during prolonged heating. Liquid-liquid extraction separates products using immiscible solvents and a separatory funnel. Recrystallization purifies solids by dissolving in hot solvent and slowly cooling. Rotary evaporators remove solvent under reduced pressure. TLC monitors reaction progress with Rf value comparison.
Equipment Overview
Required: round-bottom flasks, reflux condensers, heating mantles, separatory funnels, rotary evaporator, TLC plates and UV lamp, melting point apparatus. Advanced: Schlenk lines for air-sensitive reactions, NMR and IR spectrometers for product characterization.
Aldol Condensation (Dibenzalacetone)
Synthesizing a UV-absorbing compound used in sunscreens
Synthesize dibenzalacetone via a crossed aldol condensation between benzaldehyde and acetone, demonstrating carbon-carbon bond formation.
Banana Oil (Isoamyl Acetate) Synthesis
Making the ester responsible for banana flavor
Synthesize isoamyl acetate (banana oil) via Fischer esterification of acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol, demonstrating how esters create fruit flavors.
Biodiesel Production from Vegetable Oil
Converting cooking oil to biodiesel via transesterification
Convert vegetable oil to biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) by base-catalyzed transesterification with methanol.
Extraction of Caffeine from Tea
Isolating a natural alkaloid using liquid-liquid extraction
Extract caffeine from tea leaves using liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane, demonstrating solvent extraction and natural product isolation.
Fischer Esterification of Ethyl Acetate
Synthesizing an ester with a fruity aroma
Synthesize ethyl acetate (the aroma of nail polish remover) via Fischer esterification of acetic acid and ethanol, catalyzed by sulfuric …
Making Nylon 6,10 (Nylon Rope Trick)
Pulling a continuous strand of nylon from an interface
Synthesize nylon 6,10 at the interface of two immiscible solutions and pull a continuous strand from the beaker.
Preparation of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Synthesizing an analgesic by amide bond formation
Synthesize acetaminophen (paracetamol) by the acetylation of p-aminophenol with acetic anhydride, demonstrating amide bond formation.
Slime Synthesis (Cross-linked PVA)
Creating a non-Newtonian fluid by cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol
Create slime by cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with sodium borate, demonstrating polymer chemistry and non-Newtonian fluid behavior.
Soap Making by Saponification
Converting fats into soap using sodium hydroxide
Make soap by the saponification of vegetable oil with sodium hydroxide, demonstrating the hydrolysis of ester bonds in triglycerides.
Synthesis of Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Making one of the world's most common drugs
Synthesize aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) by acetylation of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride, and assess purity by melting point determination.
Synthesis of Luminol
Creating a chemiluminescent compound from 3-nitrophthalic acid
Synthesize luminol (3-aminophthalhydrazide) and demonstrate its chemiluminescent reaction with hydrogen peroxide.