Thomas H. W. Poon, J. McIntyre, Crystal F. Eller
Nov 1, 1999
Citations
0
Influential Citations
3
Citations
Journal
Journal of Chemical Education
Abstract
A laboratory experiment is described that combines organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and polymer chemistry and is suitable for the sophomore organic chemistry curriculum. In this three-week sequence, students synthesize and characterize the UV-absorber 2-(2',4'-dimethylbenzoyl)benzoic acid and incorporate it into films of polymethylmethacrylate. The project exposes students to a variety of techniques and topics including UV-vis, nuclear magnetic resonance and IR spectroscopy, free radical polymerization, vacuum filtration, use of a separatory funnel for extraction and washing, melting point determination, recrystallization, reflux, and Friedel-Crafts acylation.