Incorporation of a Modern NMR Spectroscopy into the Chemistry Curriculum of a Four-Year Undergraduate Institution

Suny College At Brockport, Brockport NY

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12) A 300 MHz NMR spectrometer is being utilized to incorporate a broad range of modern NMR techniques across the undergraduate curriculum and in research projects. Within the curriculum, it is facilitating a dramatic increase in the use of hands-on NMR spectrometry in the organic chemistry laboratory, where students are being introduced to 13C spectrometry at an early stage and conduct two new guided inquiry laboratories and a project-based laboratory that includes two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. In upper division courses, a new integrated NMR/chromatography experiment is being incorporated into the analytical chemistry laboratory while new project-based experiments featuring relaxation techniques and diffusion measurements are being implemented in the physical methods course. We are also developing and teaching a new two-week, all-day winter session course for chemistry majors entitled "Standard and modern NMR techniques: A nuts and bolts hands-on workshop". Finally, the capabilities of the NMR spectrometer are being used to support both ongoing and new undergraduate research projects including molecular structure determination, characterization of molecular motions and phase behavior in ionic liquids, and a research collaboration with a local industry.