The goal of this project is to enhance the chemistry curriculum by incorporating the theory and practice of FT-IR analysis in organic chemistry courses. Out-dated dispersive IR spectrophotometers are lacking in the capabilities necessary to perform the desired experiments and IR techniques. Incorporating an FT-IR instrument will enhance the organic chemistry curriculum by reinforcing lecture topics, upgrading existing experiments, and introducing new experiments. The FT-IR is the MIDAC Prospect. This state-of-the-art IR not only allows rapid acquisition of spectra and improvements in spectra quality, but also provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the operations of this instrument which is widely used in universities and industry. Lectures include more discussion of FT-IR methods and their applications. Through this project, lecture topics are reinforced by studying mechanistic details of reactions, such as kinetics and intermediate formation. Additionally, students will gain experience in sample preparation, analyzing spectra, fundamental operations of the instrument, and analysis techniques such as spectral subtraction. The use of Fourier transform instruments makes this possible. The FT-IR instrument makes significant contributions to the chemistry education and helps bring computer-controlled instrumentation to undergraduate students.
