I came across an exam question which asked the student to identify an ester from two apparently very similar structures and a proton NMR spectrum. This is my attempt to explain the spectra pictorially. I will bundle it with my other ‘NMR examples explained’ series.
(NB, I used spectra from a database. The original question shows an expansion of the multiplet peak due to methyl groups as a heptet, ie seven peaks, due to six protons, although this appears to be simulated. The methyl groups appear to be chemically equivalent to me so the multiplet should be a quartet, due to three protons, but I cannot tell from the database spectra. I have stuck with the exam board interpretation and mark scheme. The question is OCR A F324 Wednesday 27 January 2010 question 4)
The traditional textbook graph of this data is very confused. I feel that my presentation of the data emphasizes the role played by hydrogen bonding more clearly. The influence of atomic size on boiling point is also clearly shown by the bp of the noble gases.
A learn-by-not-working activity suitable for the end of the summer term.
Comes complete with the solution.
65 words from the three sciences. Word list on separate page.
I made a crazy interactive slide show widget thingy on this topic.
Please note: in order to provide a rich interactive experience, my interactive resources are mini-web sites local to your computer. After unzipping, they comprise a folder containing the main .html file and another folder containing the graphic resources and my coding to make the resource work. Double click on the .html file and the resource will work. If, however , you move or delete any of the files from this hierarchy, the resource will not work.