Improving Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratories through Integration with Research: Prospects and a Model Study

As a model study for improving undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories with contemporary research concepts and practices, we evaluated a project module aiming at the synthesis of two porphyrin compounds. The module was implemented in a format that differed in several ways from that of a traditional course. It was designed for small student group participation in a research-oriented setting. The students were given multiple choices of literature methods for the synthesis. They were led to discuss the pros and cons and rate the practicality of the methods against the project goals and laboratory conditions. Participation in the reasoning and decision-making processes substantially enhanced the depth of learning. They were encouraged to innovate and resolve an equipment problem incidental to the chosen method by creating a steam bath reactor. They were urged to cut down on waste and study the use of hydrophobic compounds in water for sustainability. The products of the project module were designed to support ongoing research, which gave the students a strong sense of reality and responsibility. They were motivated to care for the details and quality of their work by a desire to provide quality products for their intended research. As an option instead of a full implementation of the proposed format, the project module can be modified to serve as a four-session curriculum for a traditional organic chemistry laboratories course. We expect it will add dimensions to the learning of organic chemistry through the enhanced practice of problem-solving and connecting lab activities to the modern environment.