Title

Exploring the wittig reaction: A collaborative guided-inquiry experiment for the organic chemistry laboratory

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Chemical Education

Publication Date

5-13-2014

Abstract

A two-week guided-inquiry Wittig reaction experiment was developed for the undergraduate organic laboratory. In week one, groups are assigned a research topic to investigate the Wittig reaction, such as the effect that substituents on the carbonyl compound may have on E/Z selectivity. A hypothesis, controlled by a provided chemical list, is developed along with a series of experiments to test predictions. For example, more Z isomer might be expected from a steric effect of methyl substituents on o-, m-, and p-tolualdehydes. In the second week, students perform reactions by adapting a general procedure and obtain E/Z selectivities from 1H NMR. Compiled data are shared online as groups aim to support or refute their hypotheses. As a result of the experiment, students gain insights into the nature of science and the analysis of data as well as a better understanding of the research process. © 2014 The American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.

Volume

91

Issue

5

First Page

722

Last Page

725

DOI

10.1021/ed3003836

ISSN

00219584

E-ISSN

19381328

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