An organic chemistry experiment designed for senior undergraduates focuses on bifunctional catalysis, a critical yet often omitted topic at the undergraduate level, but essential for advanced studies in chemistry. By utilization of a tertiary amine-thiourea catalyst in the asymmetric Michael addition reaction, the experiment showcases the…

As an introduction to quadrupolar effects in NMR spectroscopy, students use low field ([superscript 1]H, 60 MHz), benchtop [superscript 13]C NMR spectroscopy to contrast the spin-spin coupling behavior of [superscript 13]C to the dipolar [superscript 1]H and quadrupolar [superscript 2]D in familiar solvents C(H/D)Cl[subscript 3], C(H/D)[subscript…

Undergraduate laboratory courses can provide opportunities for students to participate in science practices. This requires rethinking both curricula and instruction. Science practice--based courses require students to be positioned as epistemic agents, implying a shift in instructor role. Teaching assistants (TAs) are the primary instructors for…

We present the development and evaluation of "da Vinci's Curse", a chemistry escape room experience designed to consolidate laboratory skills in a fun and interactive setting. Inspired by the maestro, Leonardo da Vinci, the escape room challenges students to complete a series of puzzles in teams to escape "da Vinci's Curse".…