Introduction

This is an advanced laboratory course. It is assumed that you have previously and satisfactorily mastered concepts, techniques, and applications in prior coursework (e.g. CHEM 2612, 2622, 3412, 4412) concerning NMR, Infrared, UV-vis spectroscopy, organic synthesis and mechanisms, and inorganic chemistry theory and applications. CHEM 4433 is a two credit hour writing intensive laboratory course that introduces the student to inorganic synthetic techniques, magnetism, and structural determination techniques and methods.

In this course you will (1) review and apply inorganic chemistry principles and physical characterization techniques, (2) perform laboratory experiments, and (3) write and complete formal J. Am. Chem. Soc.-style reports (in manuscript format). As a general rule, at least 6 hours per week should be devoted to studying concepts introduced in class and the textbook; homework problem sets are considered in addition to this suggestion and will generally take 2-4 hours if these concepts are understood. Working in groups and scheduling office hours may also aid students in these efforts. Report writing times will depend on the individual but expect to take at least 5-6 hours for the construction of each report. If work, other courses, and/or other responsibilities will not allow for these time investments, please see the instructor as soon as possibleto discuss possible options.

The reports will demonstrate your understanding of basic laboratory synthesis, spectroscopy, data interpretation, and inorganic chemistry. The most important outcomes of your efforts are to know the basics of inorganic chemistry, think critically about a particular reaction pathway or set of data, and predict/propose likely outcomes and/or reasons for the observed behavior.

See the schedule for more details on report due dates.
 

Report Construction

All laboratory reports will adhere to the Journal of the American Chemical Society format for Full Manuscripts. You will submit reports on Experiments 2-7 for credit. This is a different format than what you may have utilized in previous Chemistry or Science laboratory classes. Electronic templates will be provided for each written report.

Your laboratory reports (6 total) will generally consist of 12 basic sections:

(1) Title, Authors, and Affiliation . Describes report contents succinctly, who did the work (you), and where work performed (Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis).

(2) Abstract . Briefly describes what experiment you did and briefly summarizes data and conclusions. A well-written abstract summarizes your report in a ~5-20 short choppy statements.

(3) Introduction [a.k.a. what others have previously reported; ~1.5-2 pages]. This is not a summary of the laboratory manual introduction. Literature citations (not Websites) in proper format should also be present. Key points of the experiment appear here and often dictate differences A, B, and C grades. This often can be prepared in advance of the laboratory experiment.

(4) Motivation [a.k.a. why other than a grade are you writing this document or why should we care?)]. This is again not a summary of the laboratory manual introduction (~1-2 paragraphs). Include as a portion of the Introduction section. Literature citations (not websites) in proper format should also be present.

(5) Experimental/Physical Methods . This described what purification techniques for reagents, sources, prior literature synthetic details, and instrumentation (model number and any modifications) was used to prepare/characterize your reaction products. (~1-3 paragraphs, abstract style). Literature citations (not websites) in proper format should also be present.

(6) Experimental. Describes the reagent quantities, times, temperatures, and pressures (etc.) used during experiment. Should be accurate and complete so that the experiment may be repeated by another. Yields and additional analysis data must also be present in short format. Use neutral past tense (i.e. no I or we).

(7) Results and Discussion . This section compares your research findings to the primary research literature (i.e. not website or those in lab manual). You should describe what was done, interpret and report your data, and compare your data/conclusions to the primary literature (e.g. published manuscript). Literature citations (not websites) in proper format should also support your claims. (~2-20 pages; judgment call). The length of this section depends on the experimental data and complexity of experiment.

(8) Figures, Tables, and Schemes . These should include experimental data plots (spectra, structures, etc.) or clearly indicate non-trivial chemical transformations in a graphical format. Acid-base neutralization, salt elimination, distillation apparatus, Schlenk line design, etc. are not useful. For examples consult several manuscripts that appear in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

(9) Conclusions . You should briefly describe why you performed the experiment, what conclusions were drawn, how they agree with or differ from literature reports, and propose a new avenue for study (a.k.a. future directions). This section will be ~ 1-2 paragraphs in length and is not the same as an abstract.

(10) Acknowledgments . You should thank staff, faculty, and students who assisted with data collection, analysis, or experimental issues. Access to facilities outside of the laboratory and their funding sources should also be mentioned.

(11) References. Primary literature citations (minimum = 20) that are used to support claims and assignments contained within the written report. Websites are not allowable sources for citations or information. The references must contain 75% original citations (i.e. other than those described in the laboratory handout or manual). The presence of online citations will result in a grade of zero and the report will be returned. Note: Must use J. Am. Chem. Soc. format. See: http://pubs.acs.org/journal/jacsat

(12) Supporting Information . Includes trivial calculations, Figures, and any additional data that does not appear in the manuscript text.

Report Submission

All students are required to submit their reports (6 total) in PDF (last name_report number.pdf) format as an attached document in a single E-mail to holmesst@umsl.edu. Reports that are deemed too large by E-mail servers (e.g. Hotmail) will require reduction of Figures and/or Schemes data size; submissions via UMSL E-mail servers should not experience this problem. In addition, a complete and legible printed paper copy is to be submitted prior to or on the report due date (Wed. 5:30 PM). If you do not own a copy of Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat, this work can be performed within UMSL Chemistry & Biochemistry Computer Lab, 232 Benton Hall).

Reports submitted after class are considered as “late” and are subject to a 10% penalty immediately. Each subsequent day (5 PM) is assessed an additional 10% penalty. Reports submitted two or more days (48 hours) after the due date will not be graded and a grade of “0, zero” will be assigned.

Report Grade Assignment

Report grading will adhere to the following weighting scheme.

Abstract	Introduction	Results & Discussion	Experimental	References	Notebook	Spectra	Sample Appearance & Labeling
5	20	20	10	5	10	10	20

Academic Dishonesty

The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and may lead to earning a zero on an assignment, failure of the course, and expulsion from the University. The UMSL College of Arts & Sciences requires that you understand and acknowledge what constitutes academic honesty and dishonesty. This document is available online (via course website and MyGateway) and signed a copy of this document (required) will be kept on file.

For further information concerning what constitutes plagiarism, academic dishonesty, and misconduct please consult the University of Missouri Collected Rules and Regulations [200.010] or Student Conduct Codes via the following website links.

UMSL Arts & Sciences Academic Honesty Statement: via MyGateway or via link.

• http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/departments/gc/rules/programs/200/010.shtml
• http://www.umsl.edu/studentlife/dsa/student_planner/policies/conductcode.html

For additional information consult:

http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_understand_plagiarism_1/0,6622,427064-,00.html