Lewis Acid-Base, Molecular Modeling, and Isotopic Labeling in a Sophomore Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Chip Nataro , Michaelle A. Ferguson , Katherine M. Bocage , Brian J. Hess , Vincent J. Ross and Daniel T. Swarr
Department of Chemistry, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042
J. Chem. Educ., 2004, 81 (5), p 722
DOI: 10.1021/ed081p722
Publication Date (Web): May 1, 2004
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Lewis acid–base theory is taught in most inorganic courses. These concepts are typically studied in the laboratory, usually by the formation of an adduct. The reaction of t-BuNH3Cl with NaBH4 is a standard laboratory that allows students to prepare an adduct by reacting a Lewis acid with a Lewis base. The long period of stirring required for this lab provides an opportunity to enrich the laboratory experience. Computational methods can be introduced to simulate IR spectra and to view the HOMO of the Lewis base and the LUMO of the Lewis acid. In addition to the computational exercise, NaBD4 can be used in the synthesis of the adduct in place of NaBH4. This allows the students to observe the effect of isotopic labeling on IR spectra. These additional activities greatly enhance the value of the lab.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Inorganic Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Lewis Acids / Bases
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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