The Right Chemistry

Anuradha Tandon

Teacher VCE Chemistry

Year 12 Chemistry students recently visited the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne. 

Students participated in an Organic Analysis Program where they used IR (Infrared spectroscopy) and NMR instruments to analyse unknown organic compounds. This program is directly linked with VCE Unit 4 study - AOS (Analytical Analysis of Unknown Compounds) and was designed help students to develop better understanding of  the analytical techniques used in chemistry for identifying the unknown organic molecules. 

The experience helped students to consolidate their knowledge of these techniques. It also provided them with experience of visiting one of the best Chemistry Laboratories in Victoria and helped them understand how and in which industries these tools are used to improve the quality and yield of the products. 

IR spectroscopy 

Infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy or vibrational spectroscopy) is the measurement of the interaction of infrared radiation with matter by absorption, emission, or reflection. It is used to study and identify chemical substances or functional groups in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms

NMR spectroscopy 

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy) s is the go-to technique to help identify or confirm the structure of organic compounds or those that contain protons. A solution-state proton spectrum is relatively fast to acquire, compared with other nuclei, and a lot of information about the structure of a compound can be deduced from it.

 Zoe Gwynn

Year 12 

The Organic Analysis excursion at Melbourne University allowed students to have a hands-on experience with various spectroscopy techniques in order to identify unknown organic molecules. 

We got to apply our knowledge from the classroom and gain a deeper understanding of what we were learning through first hand experiences of spectroscopy.

It was a very enjoyable and interactive day that all students were able to participate in. We learned so many valuable things for our upcoming SAC. 

Steven Kavadias 

Year 12

This experience was fun and educational, because we really got to see how the different spectroscopy techniques work and how they all come together to identity different molecules.    I learned how the IR spectroscopy and H NMR spectroscopy machines work as well as all the other steps involved - like making sure the samples don't get contaminated and how to gently clean the metal plate on the IR machine so it doesn't get scratched and effect the data collected.  

This excursion helped me understand the topic in a lot more in detail.   And just getting to visit Melbourne Uni was a great experience, seeing what their chemistry building is like and how big and advanced their labs are.  

Emerson Jorritsma-Barber 

Year 12

The excursion to Melbourne Uni was fun; it was interesting to see the students there studying and using the facilities. Seeing how they use instruments to analyse substances and being able to use them ourselves was a good peek into what it would be like to study there!

Poppy Wood 

Year 12

I really appreciated the opportunity to go on the excursion to the Chemistry building at Melbourne University. It helped me to consolidate my understanding of spectroscopy and see the analytical techniques used to identify the structure of organic molecules in action! I especially liked how we all got to have a turn using the machines and were instructed by students from the university , so that I could see something that I might be doing in a few years if I continue chemistry into university studies.

Darcy Longfield 

I really enjoyed the excursion, especially with such a difficult topic. Seeing  the actual process has really helped me, as well as being guided by real lab students. Being talked through the entire process and applying this knowledge in the same day really solidified what I had learned in class. It was also interesting to go to Melbourne Uni and learn in a different environment.