Applications of benchtop NMR in the organic chemistry instructional laboratory

The instructional organic chemistry laboratory has been substantially improved through the implementation of benchtop NMR analysis. When used in conjunction with unknown reaction components in multi-outcome experiments, NMR analysis transforms the laboratory exercise into an investigative inquiry wherein students elucidate structures for their products and thereby deduce their unknown reaction components. This analytical approach closely models the research laboratory and is a valuable preparatory tool for undergraduate researchers. Three newly developed multi-outcome experiments based upon the Diels-Alder cycloaddition, the synthesis of carboxylic amides, and the Friedel-Crafts alkylation are herein described to illustrate the utility of benchtop NMR analysis in the instructional laboratory.