Chem. B5200
Spectroscopy and Structural Proof in Organic Chemistry
Spring 2014
Instructor:
Prof. Barbara Zajc
barbaraz@sci.ccny.cuny.edu
Tel: (212) 650-8926
Fax: (212) 650-6107
Time and Place
NAC Building, Rm 4/130, Tuesdays, Thursdays 6:30–8:35 PM
Course Content
The objective of this course is to familiarize students with techniques needed in an organic
chemistry laboratory environment. Spectroscopic methods such as infrared and
ultraviolet-visible, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy including
techniques such as decoupling, 2-dimensional correlated spectroscopy, mass
spectrometry and elemental analyses are routinely employed. Emphasis will be placed on
the applications of the above methods for determining structures of organic compounds.
Recommended Text for Basic information
Introduction to Spectroscopy, D. L. Pavia; G. M. Lampman; G. S. Kriz: Harcourt College
Publishers.
Other Sources
Organic Structural Spectroscopy, J. B. Lambert; H. F. Shurvell; D. A. Lightner; R. G.
Cooks: Prentice Hall.
Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds, 7th Ed., R. M. Silverstein, F. X.
Webster, D. Kiemle: John Wiley and Sons.
Organic Structure Analysis, P. Crews, J. Rodríguez, M. Jaspars: Oxford University Press.
Course Grade
There will be two midterm exams (100 points each) and a comprehensive final (130
points). No makeup exams will be provided. There will be a structure determination
exercise at the end of the semester where each registered student will present a detailed
structural analysis of an unknown organic compound in class (70 points). The final course
grade will be determined from a total of 400 points.
Important Dates
Feb 20
Feb 27
Apr 8
Apr 14 - Apr 22
Apr 24
May 15
May 20
Monday schedule
Midterm Exam 1 (tentative)
Midterm Exam 2 (tentative)
Spring Break
Last day for “W” grades
Presentations
Final Exam (tentative)
Objectives
• Learn the basic principles of techniques used for organic structure determination, i.e.
infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV)
spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.
• Learn how to deduce structural information from IR, proton, and carbon NMR,
multipulse and two-dimensional NMR experiments, UV and MS spectra.
• Learn how to combine information obtained from spectra to solve structures of organic
molecules.
Assessment tools
• Homework problems (will not be graded).
• Two midterm exams and one comprehensive final exam.
• In–class presentation (graded): on the basis of a variety of spectral data provided, each
student will present the structure determination of an individual unknown compound in
class.
Statement on Academic Integrity
The CCNY policy on academic integrity will be followed in this course. The document can
be found through the CCNY website by clicking on Current Students → Academic Services
→ Policy on Academic Integrity. All students must read the details regarding plagiarism
and cheating in order to be familiar with the rules of the college. Cases where academic
integrity is compromised will be prosecuted according to these rules. In addition, the
Policy of Academic Integrity can be found in the Graduate Bulletin 2008-2010 in Appendix
B.3 on page 218.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable academic accommodations
if determined eligible by the AccessAbility Center (AAC). Prior to granting disability
accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a
student’s eligibility from the AAC, which is located in NAC 1/218. It is the student’s
responsibility to initiate contact with the AAC and to follow the established procedures for
having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.