A General Chemistry Experiment to Predict and Measure Functional-Group Stretching Frequencies

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 7 Issue 3 (2002) pp 223-225

A General Chemistry Experiment to Predict and Measure Functional-Group Stretching Frequencies

Scott P. Sibley,* Esther J. Gibbs, and Pamela L. Crum

Department of Chemistry, Goucher College, Baltimore, MD 21204-2794
Received April 24, 2002. Accepted May 16, 2002

Published online: 5 July 2002

Abstract. An experiment suitable for first-year students is reported. In this activity, students use a molecular modeling program to compute infrared spectra for a series of molecules. From the data obtained, students generate a group frequency chart and use it to identify unknowns. This provides students with an introduction to vibrational spectroscopy and the use of molecular modeling.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; general chemistry; molecular modeling; infrared spectra

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: ssibley@goucher.edu)

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Supporting Materials:

Student handouts (Zip file 283 KB) 10.1007/s00897020576b