Organic Chemistry Laboratory Guide

Preparation for Lab:

Students must come into the lab with a plan for use of their time and an understanding of what procedures need to be followed. NOTE: part of your grade will depend on your preparation. Be sure to read the experiment completely. Be sure to read or reread all "Required Reading" listed in the text for each experiment.

Lab Reports

NOTE: Your name, date, and title of experiment must be included for every experiment

I. Introduction: This section begins with a minimum of one page introduction including the objective and brief description of the experiment. This statement is followed by a thorough discussion of the theory behind the experiment. If a new technique or instrumental method is introduced, describe it. Include detailed chemical reactions when appropriate. Do not give a step by step description of the experiment. Hint: pretend that you are writing a description of the experiment to your high school science teacher. The teacher understands basic chemistry, but you are telling him/her exactly what this experiment does and the theory behind it.

II. Experimental: Begin this section with a list (use tables) of all reagents and materials used in the experiment. List concentrations of solutions. For solutions supplied already made up, the source of the chemicals will be provided. Instruments are listed with reference to company name and model number.

III. Procedure: A flowchart of the stepwise procedure for the experiment should be included. Be clear, but do not rewrite your text! This is a guide for you during lab.

IV. Data and Calculations: Calculations involving the data must be included in the lab report. For calculations that are repeated, at least one series of measurements should be included. Be sure that all calculations are clear and easily interpretable. Include any graphs or spectra. Include percent recovery or yield calculations here. Graphs must be computer generated.

V. Results and Discussion: Describe your results and discuss what they mean.

This should at least 1/2 page and may be much longer. Indicate to me that you understand what happened in the lab. List here what worked, what didn't work and why. Include percent yield where applicable. If problems were encountered in the experiment, these should be described with possible remedies for future experiments.

VI. Answers to pre-lab questions and problems. For labs in which pre-lab questions are assigned, answer them carefully here. Be clear.

VII. Remarks. List any problems or remarks. How did you feel about this lab? What might improve the lab.

Note: Lab reports will be collected twice during the semester. However, your first lab report is due shortly after it is performed for evaluation and revision. This should help you practice the art of writing excellent lab reports.