12A
The Laboratory Notebook: Instructions and Guidelines
**A new, hard-bound, quadrille-rule composition notebook is required for your lab notebook.
The lab notebook will determine a significant part of a student’s lab grade; students should keep it with them at all
times when working in the laboratory. All of the following directions should be followed carefully; it will also be
helpful to periodically review the following guidelines.
Before the second class meeting, please complete the following directions:
1. Purchase a lab notebook. The notebook should be a hard-bound composition book with quadrille rulings.
2. Label the front cover of the notebook in the following format:
LABORATORY NOTEBOOK
Student’s Name
Chemistry 12B
Spring, 2020
3. Label the inside front cover of the notebook in the following format:
IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN TO:
Student’s Name
Student’s Phone Number
Student’s E-mail Address (optional)
4. On page 1, prepare an index. Leave 4 pages for the index. Label the table of contents as follows:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHEM 12B
Spring, 2020
Student’s Name
5. Below the title of the index page, draw and label six columns as follows:
DATE
INSTRUCTOR
PRE-LAB
INITIALS FOR
APPROVED
PRE-LAB
DATE
EXPT # AND TITLE
COMPLETED
PAGES
General Notebook Guidelines
The following general guidelines should be observed throughout the semester. These are presented in no
particular order. All are important. Following the guidelines described here and elsewhere will help maximize
points earned on the notebook. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in lost points. It strongly
recommended that students frequently review the guidelines in this handout throughout the semester.
1. Use only waterproof, indelible black or blue ink to write in the notebook. Do not use red ink.
2. Errors should be crossed out with a single line and the correction written nearby. Do not use whiteout.
Do not remove pages.
3. Number the facing pages only using ODD numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
4. The first experiment should begin on page 5. Leave pages 1–4 blank for the Table of Contents. All
experiments should be started at the top of a blank facing (odd-numbered) page.
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5. Data should be recorded in directly in the notebook as it is collected. Data should never be recorded on
separate sheets of paper to be copied later into the notebook. The instructor will dispose of any such sheets
that are found.
6. Procedures should be recorded in the notebook as they are performed. Observations should be recorded
with the procedures at the same time. Students should not skip recording procedures, or wait until after lab or
another day to record procedures. Remember, fabricating lab data outside the lab is a serious academic
offense and will be severely punished.
7. At the end of a day’s experiments, students should draw a line and print STOP @ (date) & (time) at the
conclusion of lab work in their Procedures and Observations section. The notebook should then be
presented to the instructor to be initialed on days this is required. If the procedure is continued on a
subsequent day, the date should be recorded before any additional entries are made. Tables present a special
problem if data is collected on different days; therefore, all tables of data and observations MUST include an
additional column entitled Date Recorded.
8. The Table of Contents should be kept current at all times. Make new entries at the time an experiment is
started. Complete entries immediately following completion of the Conclusion of an experiment.
9. All statements made in the notebook must be truthful and accurate. Dry-labs, exaggerated yields, and
falsified data are all considered instances of academic dishonesty and will result in penalties in accordance
with the academic honesty policy of the course.
10. The lab notebook must be turned in at semester's end to receive a passing grade in the class.
11. Reserve a full page for chromatograms, spectra, or handouts. Do not tape chromatograms, spectra or
handouts over data or observations, instead, tape or staple them to a blank page. The blank pages may be at
the end of the experiment, following the conclusions, if no space was made for them earlier.
12. Taped-in pages should be folded in the middle so that they do not protrude beyond the edges of the
notebook. Then, the page should be taped (stapled) on one edge close to the spine of the notebook so that it
can be folded out for observation. Under no circumstances should there ever be loose chromatograms,
spectra, TLC plates left loose in the notebook.
ORGANIZATION OF EXPERIMENTS
The organization of a given experiment will vary with the experiment. Often, one or more of the following
sections will not be applicable to a given experiment. However, all experiments must at least include the
following sections: Date, Title, Reference, Introduction, Haz-Mat, Procedure and Observations, and Conclusions.
The following list details all of the possible sections which might appear in an experiment, along with some
instructions for how to complete each section. They appear in the order in which they should normally appear in
an experiment. Each of the following sections should be indicated with a heading in the lab notebook, and
the heading should be in a box.
Pre-Lab Sections
The following sections should be completed before coming to the laboratory. The instructor might check and
sign-off the pre-lab before the student will be permitted to start the lab. Students who come to lab unprepared
with an incomplete Pre-Lab will lose 10 points from their lab score when I check Pre-Labs.
DATE
The date that the experiment was first entered into the lab notebook. This may be several days before the actually
experimental procedures were performed.
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TITLE
The title should have the following format: Lab #: title. All of the words in the title should be capitalized.
REFERENCE
A reference for the procedure should be cited. The lab text should be cited. Handouts should also be cited.
Include all HAZ-MAT references and any other web pages cited. Use ACS reference style (see the end of this
documents for examples).
HAZ-MAT
What hazards are associated with each chemical used? (see MSDS on for example Alrdich.com)
INTRODUCTION
Summarize the what, how, and expected result of the experiment. Include a short description (pictures are great!)
of any techniques or apparatus used in the experiment.
CHEMICAL EQUATION
For preparative experiments, the chemical equations should be written for the desired observed reactions. Each
equation should be written on a separate line. The equations should feature structural formulas, and each structure
should be labeled with the appropriate name. The structures of isolable intermediates (even if the intermediates
were not isolated) should be shown.
REACTANT TABLE
In preparative experiments, an important part of the planning process is determining the identity and quantities of
the reactants. This is conveniently done in a table called the Reactant Table. The format for the reactant table
will be detailed in a separate handout.
THEORETICAL YIELD CALCULATION
In preparative experiments, the theoretical yield of the product (in grams) should be calculated based on the
quantities proposed in the REACTANT TABLE.
RATIONAL FOR SYNTHETIC STEPS
This might include mechanistic steps if not highlighted in Pre-Lab Questions, discussion of equilibrium, etc. It is
meant to go hand-in-hand with the separation scheme.
SEPARATION SCHEME
For most experiments, a flow-diagram should be included which outlines how the product is isolated, separated,
and/or purified. An example is shown on p. 24 of the lab text Clearly indicate any separation techniques and any
chemical changes that occur during separation. The separation scheme should illustrate any chemical changes
with the appropriate structural formulas. Once a structure is illustrated, it may be abbreviated until changed again.
See example below:
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PRE-LAB QUESTIONS
If experiments have any pre-lab questions to be answered in the lab notebook. These questions should be
answered in the order presented. The entire question should be written out in the lab notebook, then the answer
should be written below in complete sentences.
During the lab period:
PROCEDURE AND OBSERVATIONS
The PROCEDURES should be written in numbered steps at the time the procedure is executed in the lab.
It should describe what was actually done, not what was planned. Any mistakes, such as spills or starting over,
should be described in this section, so that it accurately describes the procedure actually executed in the lab.
Number every step. Each step should include a short procedure and observation. Data that are appropriate to
record in the observations column include: weights of any containers or reagents that are weighed; melting points;
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boiling points; diagrams of apparatus; observations of color changes; and any other observations of changes or
physical properties.
After the experiment is completed:
CALCULATIONS
Many experiments will require calculations as part of the analysis leading to the conclusions section. These
calculations should be detailed in this section with an appropriate sub-heading or label. Examples of subheadings include "Determination of Limiting Reagent"; "Theoretical Yield"; "Percent-Yield"; and "PercentRecovered" (See page 26).
If there is a repetitive calculation, then the algebraic formula should be listed first, then one example with actual
data substituted in the formula, then a table listing the results for the example and the remaining data.
POST-LAB QUESTIONS
Some experiments will have post-lab questions to be answered in the lab notebook. I will infrom you of any
questions to answer. The entire question should be written out in the lab notebook, then the answer should be
written below in complete sentences.
CONCLUSIONS
The Conclusions section is the second most important part of the lab notebook. It provides a summary and
analysis that links the Procedures and Observations to the objectives of the experiment. It should be completed as
soon as possible following the completion of the experimental work. In laboratory research, the conclusions
provides an opportunity to evaluate the success of a hypothesis, and it also is an appropriate place to suggest plans
or further experiments.
The Conclusions should be written as much as possible in complete sentences. Each experiment will have a
unique organization for its conclusion; however, there will be several reoccurring themes. The Conclusions
should follow this general format:
The conclusions should start with a brief (1-3 sentences) summary of the experiment. The results from the
experiment should be reported, including actual data from the experiment. Then, conclusions should be made,
using experimental and literature data to support them. Each experiment is unique, but some appropriate topics
for conclusions include: discussion of percent yield and purity, modifications to the planned procedure, suggested
improvements to the procedure, and interpretation of spectral data. This is not an exhaustive list. Other topics
may be useful or appropriate. Try to take some time when preparing the Conclusions to think about their
organization and content, as well as the significance of the experiment and its results.
Finally, any issues such as unexpectedly low yields or unexpected results should be discussed.
A part of a sample conclusion is shown below:
In this experiment, benzocaine was synthesized from p-aminobenzoic acid and
ethanol using the Fischer esterification method of heating with acid catalyst.
After cooling and adding aqueous base, the solid product was isolated by
vacuum filtration. The crude product was purified by recrystallization from
ethanol/water. About 0.49g (3.57mmol) of p-aminobenzoic acid was used; the
weight of the purified product was 0.38g, which gave a yield of 65%. The
melting point of the purified product was 89-91.5oC (literature value 91-92oC,
from [Projects...] p. 101). (continue from there)
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Additional Guidelines for Procedure and Observations
It is recommended that students frequently review these guidelines throughout the semester.
1. The Procedure and Observations should include a labeled and accurate diagram of any experimental
apparatus that is used. However, if the same apparatus is used without modification in a later experiment it
does not need to be drawn again; instead, it may be referenced by page number of the drawing.
2. Describe the appearance and odor (when appropriate) of all reagents and unknowns. Remember to
record the number of any unknowns are used.
3. Always indicate the type, brand, or model of any apparatus used. For volume transfers , indicate Pasteur
pipette, syringe, calibrated pipette, etc. For filtrations indicate Buchner funnel, Hirsh funnel, filter-tip
pipette, etc. Also indicate which apparatus was used for m.p. determination, b.p. determinations, IR, or GC.
4. When reporting melting point ranges or boiling points, record the temperature to the highest precision
allowed by the thermometer (1°C or 0.1°C). Additionally, when measuring melting points, be sure to
include a description of the behavior of the solid on melting.(softening, sweating, discoloration, etc.).
5. Be sure to describe the color and color intensity, if any, of all materials. Especially note color changes.
However, be aware that color changes in organic chemistry are often not significant. Students should not be
overly concerned about differences between their observations and their neighbors’.
6. Be sure to note degree of clarity of all mixtures (clear, slightly cloudy, cloudy, opaque, etc.) Note any
unusual appearance at the borderline between two liquid phases. Note if an emulsion is present.
7. Be sure to note time/rate of reaction/change. Students should record how long they mixed, heated,
observed, etc. Semi-quantitative descriptions are good (briefly, slowly, immediately, quickly, etc.) but
quantitative descriptions are best (approx. 15 s, 5 min., 1.5 h).
8. Describe the appearance of all solids collected as seen under the dissecting scope (in the balance room).
Describe the crystal form, if any, of solids (needles, cubic, rhomboid, amorphous).
9. Attach any spectra or chromatograms directly to one or more pages of the notebook at the end of the
experiment. Tape/staple and fold spectra or chromatograms so that they do not fall out of the notebook and
so that no part of the attached pages protrudes from the edges of your notebook. These pages should be
folded so they may easily be examined (don't staple them shut). Be sure that all attachments are clearly
labeled and identified as well as referenced in the procedure and observation section.
10. Extractions: When doing extractions, refer to both the type and position of each layer (for example, the top
hexane layer, the bottom methylene chloride layer, the top organic layer, the bottom aqueous layer, etc.).
11. Distillation: When performing a distillation, give appropriate descriptions to the separated portions (for
example, the original liquid mixture, the distillate, the first fraction, the second fraction, etc.).
12. GC: Column information, flow rate, amount and identity of injected sample must be recorded directly on the
chromatogram at the time the chromatogram is obtained. If the cut and weigh method of analysis is used, do
not cut the original chromatogram. Instead, make a good photocopy of the peaks, and cut and weigh the copy.
13. TLC: TLC plates should be accurately drawn actual size in the lab notebook (it is useful to trace around the
plate, then draw the spots). The drawing should include the location of the solvent front and the location of
the starting spots. The developing solvent (eluent) and the type of plate (silica gel, alumina, etc.) should be
written above the drawing. The identity of the spotted material and the number of spots should be clearly
indicated below each starting location on the plate. For each spot, clearly indicate the color and UV activity
before and after iodine treatment, as well as the Rf value of the spot. Be aware that TLC plates fade and
change over time, so analyze and sketch a plate as soon as possible after it is developed.
14. IR Spectra: Several peaks of each IR spectrum should be analyzed as follows: the wavenumber measured for
the particular peak should be printed immediately below the peak. Below this measured value, record in
parenthesis the corresponding values from the spectrum of an authentic sample (if available). Below this,
indicate whenever possible the probable origin of functional group peaks (O-H stretch, C-H bend, etc.).
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ACS Reference Formats
Books
Single author
Chang, R. General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts, 3rd ed.; McGraw-Hill: Boston, 2003.
Edited Book
Gbalint-Kurti, G. G. Wavepacket Theory of Photodissociation and Reactive Scattering.
In Advances in Chemical Physics; Rice, S. A., Ed.; Wiley: New York, 2004; Vol. 128; p 257.
Book in
Series
Article from a
reference
book
Goh, S. L. Polymer Chemistry in an Undergraduate Curriculum. In Introduction of
Macromolecular Science/Polymeric Materials into the Foundational Course in Organic
Chemistry; ACS Symposium Series 1151; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC,
2013; pp 113-127.
Powder Metallurgy. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd ed.; Wiley: New
York, 1982; Vol. 19, pp 28-62.
Articles
(ACS Style Guide, pp. 291-299 and pp. 317-319 for online articles )
Article in a
scientific
journal
Evans, D. A.; Fitch, D. M.; Smith, T. E.; Cee, V. J. Application of Complex Aldol Reactions to
the Total Synthesis of Phorboxazole B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 10033-10046.
Article in a
popular/nonscientific
magazine
Manning, R. Super Organics. Wired, May 2004, pp 176-181.
Article from
an online
journal
Peacock-Lopez, E. Exact Solutions of the Quantum Double Square-Well Potential. Chem.
Ed. [Online] 2007, 11, 383-393 http://chemeducator.org/bibs/0011006/11060380lb.htm
(accessed Aug 23, 2007).
Web/Online
Web page
National Library of Medicine. Environmental Health and Toxicology: Specialized Information
Services. http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro.html (accessed Aug 23, 2004).
Article from
an online
journal
Peacock-Lopez, E. Exact Solutions of the Quantum Double Square-Well Potential. Chem. Ed.
[Online] 2007, 11, 383-393 http://chemeducator.org/bibs/0011006/11060383ep.htm (accessed
Dec 6, 2018).
Article from
full text
database
Begley, S. When Does Your Brain Stop Making New Neurons? Newsweek [Online] July 2,
2007, p 62. Expanded Academic Index. http:/galegroup.com (accessed Aug 23, 2007).