Scaffolded Structure Determination Activities Utilizing 2D NMR Spectroscopy of Simple Organic Molecules

A structured series of activities has been designed and implemented to promote analysis and data reporting skills for second-year organic chemistry students. Student report sheets were developed to assist students in reporting necessary data for their compounds. A series of rubrics have been utilized by students to promote metacognition and by faculty to promote equitable evaluation. Complete spectral data has been provided for twenty-one student samples; however, the report sheets and rubrics could be used with any unknown organic molecule. In addition to traditional 1D NMR spectra (H-1, C-13, DEPT-135), 2D NMR spectroscopy data (H-1-H-1 COSY and H-1-C-13 HSQC) has been incorporated into a structure determination laboratory experiment for second-year organic chemistry students. The experiment described here has been delivered both as both an in-person classroom activity and a remote laboratory experience.