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Chemistry Tutor_Dr Amir Tutoring: Dr. Amir: Your Trusted Chemistry Tutor for Year 11 and 12

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Dr. Amir offers comprehensive tutoring for all key topics in the NSW Chemistry curriculum, including:


Year 11 Chemistry


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IR Spectroscopy

Let's delve into what each of these topics likely covers within the realm of Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy in a Year 12 Chemistry context. These are powerful techniques used to determine the structure and identify unknown organic molecules.

1) IR Part 1: Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy

This section likely covers the fundamental principles of IR spectroscopy:

  • The      Electromagnetic Spectrum and Infrared Region: Understanding where IR      radiation lies within the electromagnetic spectrum and its properties      (wavelength, frequency, energy).
  • Molecular      Vibrations: How molecules vibrate at specific frequencies      corresponding to the energy of IR radiation. These vibrations include      stretching (change in bond length) and bending (change in bond angle).
  • Absorption      of IR Radiation: When the frequency of IR radiation matches the      vibrational frequency of a specific bond in a molecule, the molecule      absorbs that radiation, causing an increase in the amplitude of the      vibration.
  • IR      Active and Inactive Vibrations: Not all molecular vibrations result in      the absorption of IR radiation. For a vibration to be IR active, there      must be a change in the dipole moment of the molecule during the      vibration.
  • Instrumentation      (Basic Overview): A simplified explanation of the components of an IR      spectrometer:
    • Source:      Emits IR radiation.
    • Sample       Compartment: Where the sample is placed.
    • Monochromator       or Interferometer: Selects or analyzes the frequencies of IR       radiation passing through the sample.
    • Detector:      Measures the intensity of the transmitted IR radiation.
    • Computer:      Processes the data to produce the IR spectrum.
  • The      IR Spectrum: Understanding how an IR spectrum is presented, with      wavenumber (cm⁻¹) on the      x-axis and transmittance (%) or absorbance on the y-axis.
  • Key      Factors Affecting Vibrational Frequency: Bond strength, mass of the      atoms involved in the bond.

2) IR Part 2: Interpretation of IR Spectra - Functional Groups

This section focuses on how to use an IR spectrum to identify the presence of specific functional groups within a molecule:

  • Characteristic      Absorption Frequencies: Learning the typical wavenumber ranges where      different functional groups absorb IR radiation. This involves memorizing      or having access to data tables.
  • Key      Functional Group Absorptions: Detailed analysis of the characteristic      peaks for:
    • O-H:      Alcohols, carboxylic acids (broad and strong).
    • N-H:      Amines, amides (sharp).
    • C-H:      Alkanes, alkenes, aromatics (various intensities and positions).
    • C=C:      Alkenes (medium intensity).
    • C≡C:      Alkynes (weak to medium intensity).
    • C=O:      Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides (strong and sharp).
    • C-O:      Alcohols, ethers, esters, carboxylic acids (strong).
    • Nitro       (N-O): Nitro compounds (strong).
  • Factors      Affecting Peak Position and Shape: Understanding how factors like      hydrogen bonding, conjugation, and ring strain can shift the absorption      frequencies and alter the shape of the peaks.
  • Using      IR to Distinguish Between Compounds: Applying the knowledge of      characteristic absorptions to differentiate between molecules containing      different functional groups.

3) MS Part 1: Introduction to Mass Spectrometry

This section introduces the basic principles of mass spectrometry:

  • The      Basic Principle: Molecules are ionized, and these ions are then      separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The abundance of each      ion is measured, producing a mass spectrum.
  • Instrumentation      (Basic Overview): A simplified explanation of the components of a mass      spectrometer:
    • Inlet       System: Introduces the sample into the instrument.
    • Ionization       Source: Converts neutral molecules into ions (e.g., Electron       Ionization (EI)).
    • Mass       Analyzer: Separates ions based on their m/z ratio (e.g., magnetic       sector, quadrupole).
    • Detector:      Detects the separated ions and measures their abundance.
    • Computer:      Processes the data to generate the mass spectrum.
  • Electron      Ionization (EI): A common ionization technique where high-energy      electrons bombard the molecule, causing the loss of an electron and      forming a positive radical cation (M⁺•).
  • The      Molecular Ion Peak (M⁺•): Understanding the peak corresponding to the intact      ionized molecule. Its m/z value gives the molecular weight of the      compound.
  • Isotopic      Peaks (M+1, M+2, etc.): Recognizing the smaller peaks due to the      presence of isotopes of elements like carbon-13, hydrogen-2 (deuterium),      chlorine-37, and bromine-81. The relative abundance of these peaks can      provide information about the elemental composition of the molecule.

4) MS Part 2: Interpretation of Mass Spectra - Fragmentation

This section focuses on how the molecular ion can fragment in the mass spectrometer and how these fragments provide structural information:

  • Fragmentation      Pathways: Understanding that the molecular ion is often unstable and      breaks down into smaller ions and neutral fragments. These fragmentation      patterns are somewhat predictable and depend on the molecule's structure.
  • Common      Fragmentation Patterns: Learning about typical bond cleavages and      rearrangements that occur in different classes of organic compounds (e.g.,      alkanes, alcohols, ketones, amines).
  • Stable      Ions: Recognizing the formation of relatively stable carbocations,      radical cations, and other ions that often lead to prominent peaks in the      mass spectrum.
  • Identifying      Structural Features from Fragment Ions: Using the m/z values of      fragment ions to deduce parts of the molecule's structure. For example,      the loss of a methyl group (mass 15), an ethyl group (mass 29), or water      (mass 18) can be indicative of specific structural features.
  • Using      Mass Spectra to Distinguish Between Isomers: Applying the knowledge of      fragmentation patterns to differentiate between molecules with the same      molecular weight but different structures.

5) C NMR: Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

This section introduces Carbon-13 NMR, which provides information about the carbon skeleton of a molecule:

  • Nuclear      Spin and Magnetic Fields: Understanding the basic principles of NMR,      including the spin of the ¹³C nucleus and its behavior in an external      magnetic field.
  • Chemical      Shift: Learning about the concept of chemical shift (δ), which is the      resonance frequency of a nucleus relative to a standard (TMS). The      chemical shift of a ¹³C nucleus is influenced by its electronic      environment and the atoms bonded to it.
  • Factors      Affecting ¹³C Chemical Shift: Understanding how electronegativity of      attached atoms, hybridization, and resonance affect the chemical shift      values.
  • Number      of Signals: Relating the number of unique signals in a ¹³C NMR      spectrum to the number of different carbon environments in the molecule      (taking symmetry into account).
  • Simple      ¹³C NMR Spectra: Interpreting basic ¹³C NMR spectra to determine the      number of unique carbon environments and gain clues about the molecule's      structure.
  • DEPT      (Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer) (Potentially):     This technique helps to determine the number of hydrogens attached to each      carbon atom (CH₃, CH₂, CH, quaternary C). If included, it will likely be a      basic introduction.

6) H NMR Part 1: Proton (Hydrogen-1) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy - Chemical Shift and Integration

This section introduces Proton NMR, which provides information about the hydrogen atoms in a molecule:

  • Nuclear      Spin and Magnetic Fields: Similar to ¹³C NMR, but focusing on the ¹H      nucleus.
  • Chemical      Shift (δ): Understanding the concept of ¹H chemical shift and the      factors that influence it (electronegativity of neighboring atoms,      hybridization, aromatic rings, etc.).
  • Characteristic      ¹H Chemical Shift Ranges: Learning the typical chemical shift ranges      for protons in different environments (e.g., alkyl, adjacent to carbonyl,      aromatic, alcohol, carboxylic acid).
  • Integration:     Understanding that the area under each peak in a ¹H NMR spectrum is      proportional to the number of equivalent hydrogen atoms that give rise to      that signal. Using integration ratios to determine the relative numbers of      different types of protons.

7) H NMR Part 2: Proton (Hydrogen-1) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy - Spin-Spin Coupling (Splitting)

This section focuses on the phenomenon of spin-spin coupling, which provides information about neighboring protons:

  • Spin-Spin      Coupling: Understanding that the magnetic field of one proton can      influence the magnetic field experienced by a neighboring non-equivalent      proton, causing the signal to split into multiple peaks.
  • The      n+1 Rule: Learning that a proton with 'n' non-equivalent neighboring      protons will typically be split into 'n+1' peaks (e.g., a singlet,      doublet, triplet, quartet, etc.).
  • Coupling      Constants (J Values): Understanding that the distance between the      peaks in a splitting pattern (the coupling constant, J) provides      information about the relationship between the coupled protons (e.g.,      geminal, vicinal, cis, trans).
  • Interpreting      Splitting Patterns: Analyzing the multiplicity (number of peaks) and      coupling constants to deduce the number and arrangement of neighboring      protons.
  • Complex      Splitting (Potentially): A brief introduction to more complex      splitting patterns that can occur when protons have different coupling      constants to multiple neighbors.

8) Spectra Questions:

This section will involve applying the knowledge gained from the previous topics to solve problems where you are given IR, MS, and NMR spectra (individually or in combination) and asked to:

  • Identify      functional groups present.
  • Determine      the molecular weight of the compound.
  • Deduce      fragments of the molecule's structure.
  • Determine      the number of unique carbon and hydrogen environments.
  • Determine      the connectivity of atoms and the overall structure of the molecule.
  • Distinguish      between possible isomers.

9) Spectra Questions (Likely More Advanced):

This second "Spectra questions" section will likely present more challenging problems involving:

  • Combined      Analysis: Integrating information from all three spectroscopic      techniques (IR, MS, ¹³C NMR, ¹H NMR) to solve more complex structural      elucidation problems.
  • More      Complex Molecules: Analyzing spectra of molecules with multiple      functional groups, stereochemistry (potentially), and more intricate      fragmentation patterns or splitting patterns.
  • Applying      Data Tables: Using provided data tables of characteristic IR      absorptions, NMR chemical shifts, and common mass fragment ions      effectively.
  • Logical      Deduction and Problem-Solving Skills: Requiring a systematic approach      to analyze the data and eliminate possibilities to arrive at the correct      structure.

By working through these topics, you will develop the skills necessary to interpret spectroscopic data and use it as a powerful tool for identifying and determining the structures of organic molecules. Good luck with your studies!

Absolutely! Learning to "read" functional groups in spectroscopic data (primarily IR and NMR) is a crucial skill in organic chemistry. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this:

1. Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Identifying Vibrational Signatures

IR spectroscopy is your primary tool for quickly identifying the types of bonds and therefore the presence of key functional groups. You're looking for characteristic absorption bands (peaks) at specific wavenumbers (cm⁻¹).

Key Steps for Reading Functional Groups in IR:

  • Know      the Key Regions: Familiarize yourself with the major regions of an IR      spectrum and the types of bonds that typically absorb there:
    • 3600-3200       cm⁻¹: O-H       (alcohols, carboxylic acids), N-H (amines, amides) stretching vibrations.
    • 3100-3000       cm⁻¹: sp²       C-H stretching (alkenes, aromatics).
    • 3000-2850       cm⁻¹: sp³       C-H stretching (alkanes).
    • 2260-2100       cm⁻¹: C≡C       (alkynes), C≡N (nitriles) stretching.
    • 1750-1650       cm⁻¹: C=O       (carbonyl) stretching (aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters,       amides). The exact position within this range is highly indicative of the       specific carbonyl-containing functional group.
    • 1680-1600       cm⁻¹: C=C       stretching (alkenes, aromatics).
    • 1600-1500       cm⁻¹ and       1500-1400 cm⁻¹: Aromatic ring vibrations.
    • 1300-1000       cm⁻¹: C-O       stretching (alcohols, ethers, esters, carboxylic acids). This region is       often complex ("fingerprint region"), but specific C-O       stretches can be identified.
  • Look      for Strong, Characteristic Peaks: Certain functional groups produce      very strong and distinctive peaks. The C=O stretch around 1700 cm⁻¹ is a prime example. The broad O-H stretch of carboxylic      acids is also easily recognizable.
  • Consider      Peak Shape: The shape of a peak can provide clues. For example:
    • O-H       of alcohols typically gives a broad peak.
    • O-H       of carboxylic acids gives a very broad peak that often overlaps with C-H       stretches.
    • N-H       stretches tend to be sharper than O-H stretches.
  • Use      Data Tables: Have access to a table of characteristic IR absorption      frequencies. This will provide specific ranges for different bonds within      various functional groups.
  • Pay      Attention to Subtleties: The exact wavenumber of an absorption can be      influenced by factors like:
    • Conjugation:      Can lower the wavenumber of C=O and C=C stretches.
    • Hydrogen       Bonding: Lowers the wavenumber and broadens O-H and N-H stretches.
    • Ring       Strain: Can increase the wavenumber of C=O stretches in cyclic       ketones and esters.
  • Don't      Rely on One Peak Alone: Confirm the presence of a functional group by      looking for multiple characteristic peaks associated with it. For example,      a carboxylic acid will show a strong C=O stretch around 1710 cm⁻¹ and a very broad O-H stretch around 3300-2500 cm⁻¹.

Example of Reading an IR Spectrum:

If you see a strong, sharp peak around 1715 cm⁻¹, it strongly suggests the presence of a C=O group. To determine if it's an aldehyde, ketone, or carboxylic acid, you'd look for other characteristic peaks:

  • Aldehyde:     Look for a C-H stretch around 2720 and 2820 cm⁻¹.
  • Carboxylic      Acid: Look for a very broad O-H stretch in the 3300-2500 cm⁻¹ region and a C-O stretch around 1000-1300 cm⁻¹.
  • Ketone:     You might not see prominent O-H or aldehyde C-H stretches.

2. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Identifying Hydrogen and Carbon Environments

NMR provides information about the number and environment of specific nuclei (¹H and ¹³C) in a molecule, which indirectly helps identify functional groups.

Functional Groups

Key Steps for Reading Functional Groups in NMR:

  • ¹H      NMR Chemical Shifts: The chemical shift (δ) of a proton is highly      sensitive to its electronic environment, which is influenced by nearby      functional groups. Learn the characteristic chemical shift ranges for      protons in different environments:
    • Alkyl       (R-CH): 0.5-2.0 ppm
    • Alpha       to Carbonyl (R-CH₂-C=O): 2.0-2.5 ppm
    • Alpha       to Halogen (R-CH₂-X): 2.5-4.0 ppm
    • Alpha       to Oxygen (R-CH₂-O): 3.5-4.5 ppm (alcohols, ethers, esters)
    • Vinylic       (R₂C=CH-): 4.5-6.5 ppm (alkenes)
    • Aromatic       (Ar-H): 6.5-8.5 ppm
    • Aldehyde       (-CHO): 9.5-10.5 ppm
    • Carboxylic       Acid (-COOH): 10-13 ppm (often broad and downfield)
    • Amide       (RCONH-): 7-9 ppm (variable)
    • Alcohol       (-OH): 1-5 ppm (variable, position depends on concentration and       solvent)
    • Amine       (-NH₂): 1-5 ppm (variable)
  • ¹³C      NMR Chemical Shifts: Similar to ¹H NMR, the ¹³C chemical shift      indicates the electronic environment of each carbon atom:
    • Alkyl       (sp³ C): 0-50 ppm
    • C-O       (alcohols, ethers, esters): 50-90 ppm
    • C-X       (halogens): 20-80 ppm
    • Alkenyl       (sp² C): 100-150 ppm
    • Aromatic       Carbons: 110-160 ppm
    • Carbonyl       (C=O): 160-220 ppm (carboxylic acids, esters, amides lower end;       aldehydes and ketones higher end)
    • Nitrile       (C≡N): 110-125 ppm
  • Integration      (¹H NMR): The area under each peak tells you the relative number     of protons in that specific environment. This helps determine how many      hydrogens are associated with a particular functional group or part of the      molecule.
  • Spin-Spin      Splitting (¹H NMR): The splitting pattern of a signal (singlet,      doublet, triplet, etc.) provides information about the number of neighboring,      non-equivalent protons. This connectivity information is crucial for      piecing together the structure around functional groups. For example, a      -CH₂ group next to a -CH₃ group will appear as a quartet, and the -CH₃      group will appear as a triplet.
  • Number      of Signals (¹H and ¹³C NMR): The number of unique signals indicates      the number of different proton or carbon environments in the      molecule, considering symmetry.

Example of Reading Functional Groups in NMR:

  • A      strong signal in the ¹H NMR around 9.8 ppm strongly suggests an aldehyde      (-CHO) proton. You'd then look for the corresponding carbonyl carbon in      the ¹³C NMR around 190-200 ppm.
  • A      broad signal in the ¹H NMR around 11-13 ppm suggests a carboxylic acid      (-COOH) proton, and you'd look for the carbonyl carbon in the ¹³C NMR      around 170-185 ppm.
  • Signals      in the ¹H NMR around 3.5-4.5 ppm and a corresponding carbon signal in the      ¹³C NMR around 50-90 ppm suggest the presence of an alcohol or ether. IR      would help distinguish between these (O-H stretch for alcohol).

Combining IR and NMR:

The real power comes from analyzing IR and NMR data together:

  1. IR:     Provides quick identification of the types of functional groups      present (e.g., C=O, O-H, C=C).
  2. NMR:     Gives detailed information about the number and environment of      specific atoms (¹H and ¹³C), including connectivity and the types of atoms      directly bonded to them.

By systematically analyzing the characteristic peaks and chemical shifts in both spectra, along with integration and splitting patterns in NMR, you can confidently deduce the functional groups present in an unknown organic molecule and gain significant insights into its overall structure. Remember to use data tables and practice interpreting spectra regularly to develop this crucial skill.

IR Spectroscopy:

Here’s a brief overview of each topic related to IR (Infrared) Spectroscopy and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Spectroscopy typically covered in Year 12 Chemistry:

1. IR Part 1

  • Introduction      to IR Spectroscopy: Understanding the basics of how IR spectroscopy works.
  • Frequency      and Wavelength: Discussing the electromagnetic spectrum and the specific      region for IR.
  • Molecular      vibrations and functional groups: How different bonds in molecules vibrate      and absorb IR radiation.

2. IR Part 2

  • Interpretation      of IR Spectra: Learning to identify peaks and what they correspond to in      terms of functional groups.
  • Common      functional groups: Overview of key functional groups and their      characteristic absorption ranges (e.g., alcohols, carbonyls, amines).

3. MS Part 1

  • Introduction      to Mass Spectrometry: Understanding the principles of mass spectrometry,      including ionization and fragmentation.
  • Mass-to-charge      ratio (m/z): How ions are analyzed based on their mass-to-charge ratios.

4. MS Part 2

  • Interpreting      Mass Spectra: Learning to read and understand mass spectra, including      molecular ion peaks and fragmentation patterns.
  • Applications      of MS: Discussing how mass spectrometry is used in various fields, such as      pharmaceuticals and environmental science.

5. C NMR

  • Introduction      to Carbon NMR Spectroscopy: Understanding how carbon atoms in a molecule      resonate in a magnetic field.
  • Chemical      shifts: Learning how the environment around a carbon atom affects its      resonance frequency.

6. H NMR Part 1

  • Introduction      to Proton NMR Spectroscopy: Understanding the principles of hydrogen      nuclear magnetic resonance.
  • Spin      and magnetic fields: Basics of how hydrogen nuclei behave in a magnetic      field.

7. H NMR Part 2

  • Interpreting      Proton NMR Spectra: Learning to analyze spectra, including integration and      splitting patterns.
  • Applications:      Discussing the use of H NMR in determining the structure of organic      compounds.

8. Spectra Questions

  • Practice      Problems: Applying knowledge of IR and NMR spectroscopy to solve problems.
  • Analyzing      spectra: Exercises that involve interpreting given spectra and identifying      substances.

9. Spectra Questions

  • Advanced      Practice: More complex problems that require a deeper understanding of the      concepts and techniques learned in earlier sections.

These topics build a foundational understanding of how spectroscopic techniques are utilized to analyze chemical substances and determine their structures. If you need more specific details on any of these topics, feel free to ask!

Functional Groups

Here’s a guide on how to read IR spectra and identify functional groups:

Understanding IR Spectra

  1. Axes      of the Spectrum:
    • X-Axis:       Wavenumber (cm⁻¹),       typically ranging from 4000 to 400 cm⁻¹.
    • Y-Axis:       Transmittance or absorbance; peaks indicate absorption of IR radiation.

  1. Key      Regions:
    • 4000       to 2500 cm⁻¹: O-H and N-H stretches.
    • 2500       to 2000 cm⁻¹: Alkyne C-H stretches.
    • 2000       to 1500 cm⁻¹: C≡C and C=O stretches.
    • 1500       to 1000 cm⁻¹: C-C stretches and bending       modes.

Identifying Functional Groups

  1. Alcohols      (O-H):
    • Peak:       Broad peak around 3200-3600 cm⁻¹.
    • Characteristics:       The broadness is due to hydrogen bonding.

  1. Amines      (N-H):
    • Peak:       Sharp peak around 3300-3500 cm⁻¹.
    • Characteristics:       Primary amines show two peaks, while secondary amines show one.

  1. Carbonyls      (C=O):
    • Peak:       Strong peak around 1700-1750 cm⁻¹.
    • Characteristics:       The intensity indicates the presence of a carbonyl group (e.g., ketones,       aldehydes).

  1. Alkenes      (C=C):
    • Peak:       Medium peak around 1600-1680 cm⁻¹.
    • Characteristics:       Presence of double bonds; may show additional peaks for adjacent groups.

  1. Alkynes      (C≡C):
    • Peak:       Sharp peak around 2100-2260 cm⁻¹.
    • Characteristics:       Indicates triple bonds.

  1. Aromatic      Compounds:
    • Peak:       Overlapping peaks around 1450-1600 cm⁻¹.
    • Characteristics:       Indicates presence of a benzene ring.

  1. Esters      and Carboxylic Acids:
    • Peak       (C=O): Strong peak around 1700-1750 cm⁻¹      (like carbonyls).
    • Peak       (O-H): Broad peak for carboxylic acids around 2500-3300 cm⁻¹.

Steps to Analyze an IR Spectrum

  1. Identify      Peaks: Look for significant peaks in the spectrum.
  2. Determine      Regions: Use the wavenumber scale to locate peaks in key regions.
  3. Match      Peaks to Functional Groups: Compare the peaks with known values for      functional groups.
  4. Consider      Intensity and Shape: Strong peaks usually indicate a more prominent      functional group. Broad peaks might suggest hydrogen bonding.

Practice Example

  • If      you see a broad peak at 3300 cm⁻¹ and      a strong peak at 1700 cm⁻¹,      you might be looking at an alcohol (broad O-H) and a carbonyl (C=O),      possibly indicating a carboxylic acid.

By following these guidelines, you can systematically analyze IR spectra and identify the functional groups present in a compound. If you have specific spectra to discuss, feel free to share!





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As well as consulting and managing many complex industrial projects, Dr Amir has extensive experience in teaching and learning from teaching at university level to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to one-on-one, face-to-face high school tutoring, in Mathematics , Physics, Chemistry and Software Design and Development. Dr Amir has been tutoring  students from year 3 to university level.

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Dr Amir Chemistry Tutoring

Dr Amir accomplished his PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the state-of-the-art technology used in rocket science that requires advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry and computational modelling. Dr Amir achieved High Distinction in all his PhD subjects at UNSW. Parent(s)/guardian(s) can make the Mathematics tutoring bookings based on Dr Amir's availability on online one-on-one sessions or choose an online group session. 

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