The Discovery-Oriented Approach to Organic Chemistry. 4. Epoxidation of p-Methoxy-trans-β[beta]-methylstyrene: An Exercise in NMR and IR Spectroscopy for Sophomore Organic Laboratories

Rebecca S. Centko and Ram S. Mohan
Department of Chemistry, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL 61701
J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (1), p 77
DOI: 10.1021/ed078p77
Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2001

Abstract

Epoxidation of alkenes using peroxyacids is one of the most fundamental reactions in organic chemistry, yet there are very few examples of laboratory experiments that illustrate this important reaction. We have developed a discovery-oriented lab experiment that illustrates epoxidation of alkenes as well as the reactivity of epoxides toward acids. The experiment involves reaction of p-methoxy-trans-β-methylstyrene (trans-anethole) with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (MCPBA), in both the absence and presence of a buffer, followed by product identification using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The added element of discovery ensures that students' interest and enthusiasm are retained.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Organic Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning

Keywords (Subject):

IR Spectroscopy

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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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