Author Archives: alan

How to interpret your IR spectrum

Posted on October 3, 2015 by alan

There seems to be a little confusion about how to interpret your experimental IR spectra and how to use Spartan’s calculated spectrum. I hope the following will help clarify things a little (I recall that I had to interpret about … finish reading How to interpret your IR spectrum

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Would you buy a used model kit from this dog?

Posted on September 18, 2015 by alan

You can buy a new molecular model kit from the Chemistry Stockroom ($20), but you have other choices (learn more here), and used model kits are often available at reduced prices from students who have no more use for them. … finish reading Would you buy a used model kit from this dog?

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Challenge/Conference Problems or HW/Book Problems

Posted on September 12, 2015 by alan

I have (and will) post some extra “challenge” problems from time to time. Let me explain their purpose so that you can work these problems into your schedule in an appropriate way.

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Keep a study journal

Posted on June 1, 2015 by alan

The most frequently made comment by Chem 201 students is that they learn to study organic chemistry as the semester rolls along. Please read that again. They don’t say, ‘they learn o chem’ because that’s a given. What they say … finish reading Keep a study journal

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Combination Coupling in Salicylic Acid 1H NMR

Posted on March 26, 2015 by alan

The reading of Exp’t 4 (salicylic acid) lab reports informed me that many 201 students struggled with the complexities of the proton NMR spectrum. The NMR of salicylic acid is complicated, no doubt about it, but it can be understood … finish reading Combination Coupling in Salicylic Acid 1H NMR

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Optical Activity of Sucrose: Laptop + Sunglasses

Posted on October 2, 2014 by alan

The web is loaded with videos explaining optical activity and demonstrating polarimeters of various types (see Sorrell, Fig. 4.3, p. 114). Here are two SHORT clever videos from David Whyte (and his cheeky daughter?): Home made polarimeter by David Whyte. (https://youtu.be/HP14LAEy9BY) … finish reading Optical Activity of Sucrose: Laptop + Sunglasses

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Quiz #1 Statistics etc

Posted on September 22, 2014 by alan

69 students took Quiz #1 in-class last week and 59 students turned in take-home quizzes. Here are some statistics on how the class performed: 40-50 points. 13 students scored in this range on the in-class quiz. After considering take-home results, … finish reading Quiz #1 Statistics etc

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Get ready for Quiz #1 (& Advice from 2013)

Posted on September 15, 2014 by alan

As you prepare for our quiz later this week, keep two things in mind: There are lots of resources to help you: sample quiz (with answers) from 2013, practice problems online and in your book, online supplements that I have … finish reading Get ready for Quiz #1 (& Advice from 2013)

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Buy, Register (and Bring) Your Clicker

Posted on September 4, 2014 by alan

I received this message from Kristin Bott in CUS. She’s been gathering data about your clickers and she NEEDS YOUR HELP. Read on, Good afternoon, Chem 201! A high-five to the 30 of you who have currently registered your clickers. … finish reading Buy, Register (and Bring) Your Clicker

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Week 1 in Chem 201

Posted on September 1, 2014 by alan

Welcome back to Reed. The attached file contains information about the first week of Chem 201. Lab (p. 1) and lecture (p. 2). Please read this file right away. Note: lab will meet beginning tomorrow, Tu, Sept 2, but lecture … finish reading Week 1 in Chem 201

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