This quarter, the students will perform Extra Credit Project (Synthesis of 4-(4-nitrophenyl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one). The prelab questions below refer to this project: The pre-lab questions (due together with the rest of the prelab by Friday, April 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm in the instructor's office) :

1. Why is the central dihydropyrimidin-2-one ring almost planar?

2. Why do most dihydropyrimidinones have fairly high melting points (T_m>200 ^oC)?

3. What is used as catalyst in the reaction in Chem 30BL? 

4. Why is it important to mix the solids thoroughly before storing the mixture?

5. How and where is the reaction mixture stored?

6. What is used as solvent for the recrystallization?

7. How many signals are observed in the ¹H-NMR spectrum of the compound? Where are they located?

Notes:

1. Please note that the student will use 4-nitrobenzaldehyde for the reaction this quarter. The procedure using other benzaldehydes is outlined in the older reader (Extra credit project II) is not acceptable.

2. As part of the prelab the student has to include a proper infrared spectrum for the exact compound and mass spectrum, which has pertinent peaks labeled. The spectra in course reader cannot be used for this purpose.

3. The experiment will be started during week 5 and finished in week 6 during which GC/MS samples can only be submitted.

4. The formal report will be due by Friday, May 13, 2016 at 12:00 pm in YH 3077E as hardcopy and at the same time on turnitin.com (Course ID: 12241485, Password: Chem30BL).  Note that like always, late paper or online submissions will not be accepted.