A simple, robust, and reproducible method was developed for the isolation of (-)-menthol from peppermint oil and to study the effect of different types of leaving groups, catalysts, solvents, and tertiary base on the extent of esterification of (-)-menthol to (-)-menthyl acetate. In this experiment, students compare leaving group properties of…

Bioassays are commonly used to test the biological activity of chemicals and other exercises are presented in which students synthesize plant hormones. Lab exercise is conducted using commercially available auxins and auxin regulating compounds.