Organic Chemistry (Laboratory)

Rationale:

This course addresses the essential need for engineering students to acquire practical proficiency in organic chemistry by bridging foundational theory with structured, hands-on laboratory practice. Mastery of experimental techniques, analytical thinking, and scientific communication is increasingly important for students preparing for research, advanced coursework, and industry roles. The course is designed to meet these demands by cultivating technical skill, chemical intuition, and critical evaluation through the systematic investigation of organic compounds and their behavior.

Focus:

The course emphasizes the acquisition and refinement of core laboratory techniques, including distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, recrystallization, thin-layer chromatography, and column chromatography. Students carry out both guided and independent experiments involving single-step and multistep syntheses, functional group interconversions, and targeted purification processes. Laboratory sessions are framed around precision, reproducibility, chemical safety, and environmentally responsible practices, including waste minimization and proper handling of reagents. Spectroscopic analysis, with a focus on infrared (IR) spectroscopy, is integrated into the experimental workflow to develop skills in compound identification, structure elucidation, and verification of reaction outcomes. Students assess reaction efficiency using quantitative and qualitative criteria such as yield, purity, and physical properties. Emphasis is placed on reflective analysis and process troubleshooting to promote deeper chemical understanding. Collaborative experimentation and peer-reviewed reporting are central to the learning process. Students work in teams to design experimental strategies, solve procedural challenges, and develop concise, accurate laboratory reports. Communication is further strengthened through oral presentations, data-driven discussions, and critique sessions that highlight scientific reasoning and clarity.

Outcome:

By the end of the course, students will be able to perform organic laboratory procedures independently and with a high degree of technical accuracy, while demonstrating environmental responsibility and strict adherence to safety protocols. They will develop the ability to interpret experimental data, troubleshoot procedural issues, and analyze reaction outcomes in terms of yield, purity, and mechanistic insight. Students will synthesize and characterize organic compounds using a combination of classical techniques and spectroscopic tools. They will also be equipped to communicate findings through precise, evidence-based written reports and oral presentations. The course prepares students for advanced experimental courses, research internships, and professional work in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials science sectors, where laboratory competency and analytical thinking are essential.

• Apply fundamental and advanced organic chemistry laboratory techniques to safely isolate, purify, and characterize organic compounds, demonstrating proper handling of chemicals, use of equipment, and adherence to established safety protocols.

• Interpret experimental data to identify structural features, determine physical properties, and explain chemical behavior of organic compounds based on empirical evidence.

• Construct well-reasoned scientific conclusions by integrating experimental observations, data trends, and relevant chemical principles.

• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and leadership by independently planning and executing laboratory experiments while fostering collaboration and effective teamwork.

• Produce clear, concise, and scientifically accurate laboratory reports that document procedures, present data, interpret results, and support conclusions in accordance with scientific conventions.

• Use appropriate modern visual tools such as graphs, tables, diagrams, and multimedia elements to support and clarify scientific content.

• Deliver professional oral presentations that convey scientific information clearly and confidently, making effective use of visual aids to engage and inform the audience.

1. Laboratory Safety Orientation

   • General Laboratory Safety

   • Chemical Engineering Laboratory Safety

2. Group Written Report Preparation

3. General Laboratory Guidelines and Procedures

4. Activities

   • Activity 1: Thin-Layer Chromatography

   • Activity 2: Synthesis of Aspirin

5. Experiments

   • Experiment 1: Distillation of Alcoholic Beverages

   • Experiment 2: Extraction of Caffeine from Tea Leaves

   • Experiment 3: Column Chromatography of Plant Pigments

   • Experiment 4: Preparation of Synthetic Fruit Flavors

   • Experiment 5: Interpreting Infrared Spectra

   • Experiment 6: Solubility Test for Organic Compounds

   • Experiment 7: Analysis of Hydrocarbons

   • Experiment 8: Analysis of Oxygen-Bearing Organic Compounds

1. Data Treatment and Questions (DTAQ) Template

2. Individual Written Report (IWR) Template

3. Pre-lab Discussion Slide Guidelines

4. Pre-lab Discussion Rubrics

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