An introductory laboratory on the identification of analgesics in an unknown sample. Ideal for the first week of an organic chemistry sequence to get students familiar with their surroundings. Students extract, isolate, ...

A two-week multi-step experiment that introduces students to mechanistic organic chemistry and substituent effects. A simple preparation of differentially substituted para-nitrophenyl benzoates is followed by ester hydrolysis ...

A simple, solventless procedure for reductive amination that results in an impressive color change. Reaction proceeds in three stages: imine formation, reduction, and acetylation and purification is done by crystallization.

A simple preparation of a conjugated diene via the olefination reaction between cinnamaldehyde and triphenylphosphonium chloride under basic conditions. Students are reintroduced to dry glassware techniques, recrystallization, ...