X-ray Crystallography Analysis of Complexes Synthesized with Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine: A Laboratory Experiment for Undergraduate Students Integrating Interdisciplinary Concepts and Techniques

Abstract

An integrated laboratory experiment applying concepts and techniques from organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and instrumental analysis is presented for use in the undergraduate curriculum. This experiment highlights the synthesis, characterization, and use of tris­(2-pyridylmethyl)­amine (TPMA) to make complexes with different metal salts. It incorporates laboratory practices such as literature searches, multistep synthesis, reaction mechanisms, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography.

Structural determination of model phospholipid membranes by Raman spectroscopy: Laboratory experiment

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Accordingly, the number of STEM courses and laboratory experiments designed to integrate multiple disciplines is increasing. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] For example, the fields of biochemistry and molecular biophysics are inherently interdisciplinary in nature, and their principles encompass many concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics. 22 In this paper, we present an upper level interdisciplinary undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biophysics experiment.…”

A new library of 3D models and problems for teaching crystallographic symmetry generated through Blender for use with 3D printers or Sketchfab

“…While these libraries are excellent resources for visualizing inherently 3D concepts like molecular orbitals or molecular symmetry, more specialized topics like crystallographic symmetry, including translational symmetry and space symmetry, fall outside of their original scope (Tuvi-Arad & Blonder, 2010;Antonoglou et al, 2011;Flint, 2011;Southam & Lewis, 2013;Carlisle et al, 2015;Penny et al, 2017;Dagnoni Huelsmann et al, 2018). Although there are still numerous resources that focus on teaching crystallography (Grove et al, 2009;Cushman & Linford, 2015;Malbrecht et al, 2016;Bazley et al, 2018), few fully incorporate three dimensionality (Scalfani & Vaid, 2014;Casas & Estop, 2015;Rodenbough et al, 2015;Brannon et al, 2020).…”

Exploring Biochemical Reactions of Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids through a Milk-Based Demonstration and an Inquiry-Based Worksheet: A COVID-19 Laboratory Experience

“…Since then, many instructors have designed opportunities for students to engage in both open and guided inquiry in chemistry. Some tasks give students opportunities to explore real-world applications of chemistry in fields ranging from healthcare to engineering. ,− Other teaching methods highlight the interplay between the disciplines. − Strategies such as these promote curiosity and immersion into the subject matter, allowing students to practice genuine scientific investigation through engaging in activities where outcomes are unknown. − Educators and researchers hold that this approach greatly enhances the pedagogical value of laboratory exercises − because (1) it allows for greater discovery beyond that attributed to the “cookbook experience” of traditional laboratories and (2) it facilitates greater collaboration between students and interaction between students and their instructors, thus enhancing the students’ postsecondary experience . These pedagogies have many well-documented successes: learning activities involving inquiry, guided or open, and real-world applications produce greater effectiveness in learning. ,,,− It should not be of any surprise, then, that many postsecondary institutions have already adopted an inquiry-based approach in face-to-face learning.…”