7 x 1 hour lessons

This module develops your ability to identify unknown compounds using a range of qualitative and spectroscopic techniques. You’ll begin with practical chemical tests to identify functional groups such as alkenes, carbonyls, alcohols, phenols, and halides. Then you’ll explore instrumental methods including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and proton and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy.

You’ll learn how to interpret each type of spectrum and combine multiple sources of evidence to deduce the structure of unknown organic compounds. You’ll also be introduced to chromatographic techniques used to separate and analyse mixtures in both organic and inorganic contexts.

By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:

• Carry out and interpret a range of qualitative tests for ions and organic compounds

• Understand and interpret IR and MS data

• Read and analyse ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra, including splitting patterns and integration

• Use combined spectroscopic and chemical data to identify unknown structures

• Understand the principles and uses of chromatography in analytical chemistry

OCR (A) specification points covered: 3.1.4 Qualitative analysis 4.2.4 Analytical techniques 5.3.2 Qualitative analysis 6.3.2 Spectroscopy