OVERVIEW

This course provides advanced knowledge of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, and MS) in the field of organic chemistry, covering both theoretical and applied perspectives.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and interpretative methodology related to infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra, in order to use them for the identification of the structure of organic compounds.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired:

1. Knowledge and understanding

The student will have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals, theoretical principles, and applications of various spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, NMR) and mass spectrometry (EI-MS).

1. Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to apply theoretical and practical knowledge to the interpretation of IR, NMR, and MS spectra of simple pure organic compounds.

1. Judgment and decision-making skills

The student will be capable of selecting the most appropriate spectroscopic technique, or combination of techniques, for different structural investigations. The student will be able to apply the instrumental techniques learned to new problems that may arise in research or professional contexts.

1. Communication skills

The student will be able to communicate the acquired knowledge clearly and accurately, using appropriate scientific language. Active interpersonal communication will be encouraged, particularly during classroom exercises.

1. Learning skills

The student will have developed the ability to independently use the acquired basic knowledge to identify the structure of unknown, even complex, organic molecules.

PREREQUISITES

Students must assimilate the content of Organic Chemistry courses, as a solid understanding of the fundamentals is necessary before approaching the more advanced topics covered in this course.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is delivered through lectures, individual and/or group exercises, in-class discussions, and the resolution of real-world problems.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs, officially submitted to the University, are encouraged to contact the instructor and the School/Department Disability Coordinator (Prof. Luca Raiteri, luca.raiteri@unige.it) at the beginning of the course in order to agree on any teaching arrangements that, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles.

IMPORTANT: Requests for exam accommodations MUST be submitted at least 10 working days before the scheduled exam date, strictly following the instructions provided at the following link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

GENERAL PART: The electromagnetic spectrum and electromagnetic radiation; molecular energy levels; interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter; spectroscopic techniques.

INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY: Infrared radiation; the FT-IR instrument and ATR technique; infrared spectra and theoretical principles (vibrational energy, molecular vibrations, and selection rules). Signal positions, band shape, and intensity. Systematic part with examples and exercises.

NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE (NMR): General part: theoretical principles, chemical shift, the NMR instrument, and practical aspects. ¹H-NMR: number of signals, signal area, signal position, multiplicity, and coupling constants. Examples and exercises. ¹³C-NMR: ¹³C sensitivity, decoupled spectrum, number of signals, signal positions, and DEPT spectrum. Examples and exercises. Correlation NMR: through-bond correlation and selected 2D spectra (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC). Through-space correlation, Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE), NOE-diff and NOESY spectra. Comprehensive examples and exercises.

MASS SPECTROMETRY: Mass spectra from electron impact; molecular ion and fragment ions. General classification of fragmentation reactions with examples.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students are strongly encouraged to attend lectures and in-class exercises. Teaching materials are available on Aulaweb.

The following textbooks may be useful:

1) M. HESSE, H. MEIER, R. ZEEH "METODI SPETTROSCOPICI IN CHIMICA ORGANICA" (EdiSES)

2) C. CHIAPPE, F. D' ANDREA "TECNICHE SPETTROSCOPICHE E IDENTIFICAZIONE DI COMPOSTI ORGANICI" (Edizioni ETS)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lectures will begin as indicated in the academic calendar. Updates will also be posted on Aulaweb.

Class Schedule: The timetable for this course is available via the Portale EasyAcademy, or the MyUniGe app.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written and an oral test.

In the written exam, students are asked to identify organic compounds by interpreting their IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and possibly MS spectra, justifying their reasoning in detail. The oral exam typically begins with a discussion of the written test and proceeds with questions on the theoretical concepts underlying the various spectroscopic techniques.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The ability to apply knowledge and understanding, as well as independent judgment, is primarily assessed through the written exam, while knowledge, understanding, learning skills, and communication abilities are mainly evaluated during the oral exam.

FURTHER INFORMATION

As the course aims to develop specific skills, and classroom exercises are essential to this goal, attendance is strongly recommended.