Course content

By a combination of lectures, exercises and individual semester assignment, the principles of IR-; 1H- and 13C-NMR (1D and 2D spectra); and mass spectrometry are discussed. The course is especially focused on analysing and interpreting spectral data of organic compounds. Compulsory semester assignment.

Learning outcome

After having completed the course, the student should be able to: 1) Explain principles of IR, MS and NMR spectroscopy. 2) Explain construction/design of spectrometers. 3) Analyze and interpret spectral data. 4) Use spectral data to elucidate an unknown structure, or solve a structure-related problem. 5) Complete a semester assignment, which consists of elucidating structure of an unknown organic compound by combining various spectral data. 6) Create a semester assignment report, which consists of description of the spectroscopy methods used, analysis of data and description of structure elucidation procedure. The report is mandatory, individual, and it has to be approved. 7) Design the most suitable set of spectroscopic methods for a given structure-related problem.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (4 hours per week), exercises (2 hours per week), compulsory semester assignment: structure elucidation of an unknown compound by the spectroscopic methods and theoretical exercises (ca. 20 hours). An approved individual report is a pre-requisite for sitting on the exam and is valid for 4 semesters. Lectures and exercises are given in English.

Expected work load in the course is 200-225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Assignment (from spring semester 2023)

Required previous knowledge

Basic organic chemistry course.

Course materials

R.M. Silverstein, F.X. Webster, D.J. Kiemle, D.L. Bryce, Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds, 8th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Danvers, MA, USA (2015)

ISBN: 978-0-470-61637-6

Credit reductions