Introducing 2D NMR Spectroscopy to Second-Year Undergraduate Chemistry Majors Using a Building-Up Approach

2D NMR spectroscopy techniques are introduced to second-year undergraduate organic chemistry students using a 3 h classroom activity. By first studying simple organic molecules, students are able to build up to solve more complex structures. This classroom activity first utilizes an instructor-guided problem-solving session focused on simple organic molecules (N,N'-dimethylethylene diamine, N,N-dimethylethylene diamine, and 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine). Students then work together in teams to assign a more structurally complex molecule (2,4-dimethylphenol or 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol) using both 1D (H-1, C-13, and DEPT-135) and 2D (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) NMR spectra. By teaching second-year undergraduate students 2D NMR spectroscopy, the techniques are easily revisited in advanced undergraduate courses.