WSU-Fall 2006; Principles of Organic Chemistry
I Laboratory; Chemistry 350 with Dr. Nalli
Guidelines for Lab Reports
Learning how to effectively report experimental results is
extremely important in all of the sciences. Although the customary format may vary between discipline,
a scientific report should be clear, concise, and well organized and
should make effective use of tables and graphs. Also, in keeping with the need
for objectivity in scientific experimentation, scientific reports should be
written in an impersonal, matter of fact style.
General Guidelines
- The report should be
thorough, well written, and well organized.
- Reports should be word-processed and double-spaced.
- Do not ignore the need for subscripts and superscripts in
chemical formulas. These are easily available in all modern word processors.
- If it is not feasible for you to word-process your lab reports then
neatly hand-written (in ink) reports will be accepted but this will cost you a
penalty of 5 points.
- Bonus points will be awarded to reports that use molecule
drawing software to present professional-looking rather than hand-drawn
reaction graphics.
Title Page
- Give the number and title of the experiment,
your name, course number and section, and the date submitted on this page.
Results
Section
- Present the results of the experiment in table form.
-
Make sure to give units where required. (A well-organized table gives the units
in the column headings rather than repeatedly throughout the table.)
- Make sure to observe the significant figures
convention.
- The results reported should always include the absolute and percent yields of any products
obtained and experimental vs literature values for any physical constants
measured.
- The results reported should also include a summary (i.e., a
peak listing) of any spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, MS)
obtained.
- Immediately after the
results table you should discuss the results briefly in a non-interpretive way.
Point out the most important take-home points from the table and/or any
trends you would like to draw attention to.
Answers to
Assigned Questions
- Make sure to explain all
answers completely - even if the question does not ask for an explanation.
-
Answer using complete sentences - one or two word answers will not suffice.
- Pay
attention to spelling and grammar when answering the questions.
- Above all, make sure your answer is correct. Do not just
take a stab at it! If uncertain, do some Internet and/or Library research or
ask the instructor if you are on the right track.
Conclusions
- The idea of this part is to interpret the results of the
experiment and state the conclusions to be reached.
- Start with a discussion of
theory (give the mechanism of the reaction and equations for any expected side
reactions).
- Then discuss how the results of the experiment support the theory.
For preparative
experiments (Expts 5, 7, and 8) the following points should be addressed.
- Actual yield of product
versus the theoretical yield (percent yields) and list some possible reasons for
loss of yield.
- Evidence for the structure of the product
from NMR, IR and/or chemical tests.
- Purity of the product as indicated
by mp, bp, NMR, etc.
- Provide explanations for unanticipated results
- Feel free to make suggestions as to how the experiment could have been better
designed or carried out.
Attachments
Calculations - Show an example of each
non-trivial calculation, including % yield
calculations, should be shown. Do not include trivial calculations such as
subtraction of tare weights.
Spectra - Attach printouts of all spectra obtained. Make
sure the spectra are completely labeled (name, date section number, expt number
and title). All peaks should always be labeled.
Product Submission
- Solid products should be placed in completely labeled (compound name
and structure, your name, expt #, course # and section) small 2"x2"
zip-lock baggies and attached to the front of the report.
- Liquid products should be placed in completely labeled (compound name
and structure, your name, expt #, course # and section) screw-top vial and
turned into the TA during the lab period.
- Do not bring products to Dr. Nalli's office!
Team Contribution Forms (TCFs)
- Use the forms available on Blackboard. TCF
forms are due at the same time as the lab reports.