Spectroscopic Unknown Puzzles from Real DataA More Authentic Pedagogical Approach with Epistemological Implications

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry Education
• Spectroscopic Analysis

Background:

• Traditional organic chemistry instruction often uses inauthentic unknown puzzles for structure elucidation.
• Current methods do not fully connect spectroscopic techniques to real-world chemical phenomena or reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present novel spectroscopic unknown puzzles for organic chemistry.
• To enhance student engagement by linking spectroscopy to known chemical reactions.
• To center the application of spectroscopy and spectrometry on understanding chemical phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Designing assessments where puzzle solutions are outcomes of known chemical reactions.
• Utilizing data from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Infrared (IR), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Providing students with information on reaction inputs and intended outcomes.

Main Results:

• Spectroscopic exercises were made more authentic by mirroring practicing organic chemists' workflows.
• The focus shifted from solving isolated puzzles to interpreting spectroscopic data within the context of chemical reactions.
• Students gained a better understanding of the practical utility of spectroscopy in constructing chemical knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Authentic spectroscopic puzzles enhance the learning experience in organic chemistry.
• Connecting spectroscopy to chemical reactions deepens students' understanding of its purpose and application.
• This approach better communicates the value of spectroscopic techniques in organic chemistry.