6 weeks · 0 milestones
Interpret real spectroscopic data — NMR (¹H, ¹³C, or DEPT), IR, or mass spectrometry — for a specific named compound. Document the reasoning for every peak assignment: chemical shift interpretation and multiplicity analysis (NMR), functional group identification (IR), or fragmentation pattern (MS). The proof is the annotated spectrum with documented reasoning for each assignment, a proposed or confirmed structure, and a written comparison to reference values. For students without lab access, authenticated spectra from SDBS (Spectral Database for Organic Compounds — free) or NIST Chemistry WebBook (free) are accepted — the interpretation methodology and documentation requirements are identical to lab-acquired data. Reviewed by a chemist who provides an unseen spectrum during the review session and asks you to assign it in real time — the live assignment is required to confirm you understand the methodology, not just the reference data.