Dr. Nalli - WSU-Spring 2007; Principles of Organic Chemistry II Laboratory; Chemistry 351
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
Title Page
Results and Discussion Section - In this section you should present the results of the experiment in a concise and efficient manner.
Results Tables.
Present all of the results of the experiment in table form.
Each table should be numbered and titled.
Try to keep the results table(s) limited to a single page. One large table that presents all of the results is preferable to several smaller ones.
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.
Always include the absolute yields (in grams) and percent yields of any products obtained.
Always include the experimental vs literature values for any physical constants measured.
The results tables should also include a summary (i.e., a peak listing) of any spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, MS) obtained. Literature data for the spectra should also be presented if available.
Discussion
Immediately after the results table(s) you should discuss the results briefly in a non-interpretative way. Point out the most important take-home points from the table(s) and/or any trends you would like to draw attention to.
Answers to Assigned Questions
Conclusions Section - In this section you should interpret the results of the experiment and state the conclusions to be reached.
For preparative experiments (Expts 4-9) the following points should be addressed.
References
Supplemental Information and Materials:
Attachments
Calculations sheet. Include a sheet showing all calculations, especially theoretical and % yield calculations. Do not include trivial calculations such as subtraction of tare weights. The calculations sheet can be hand written.
Printouts of all spectra obtained. Make sure the spectra are completely labeled (name, date section number, expt number and title). All peaks should be labeled.
Products - Do not throw away the products from your reactions! They must be submitted for grading and proper disposal by the instructor.
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 D2L. TCF forms are due at the same time as the lab reports.