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High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Ferrocene is an organometallic compound widely incorporated into undergraduate organic and inorganic chemistry curricula. Traditional laboratory experiments typically involve the Friedel–Crafts acylation of ferrocene to produce acetylferrocene or diacetylferrocene, with a purification method focused on column chromatography. To expand the educational scope of ferrocene-based experiments, our organic chemistry education research group designed and implemented a novel laboratory experiment centered on the synthesis of benzoylferrocene using chloroform as an alternative solvent to dichloromethane. The most significant improvement was the emphasis on recrystallization using heptane as the greener purification method and reinforcement of the use of spectroscopic techniques. This experiment was specifically tailored for nonmajor undergraduate students enrolled in organic chemistry laboratory courses at UPR-RP. Product characterization was carried out through melting point analysis, IR spectroscopy, and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. To evaluate the effectiveness of the experiment, a combination of pre- and post-tests, a laboratory report, and a perception questionnaire were administered to assess students’ conceptual understanding, learning outcomes, and perceptions of the new experiment. Results demonstrated that the experiment significantly improved students’ comprehension of reaction theory and laboratory techniques while also providing an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
Rodríguez-Berríos et al. (Tue,) studied this question.