Honors Organic Chemistry: Experimentation Regarding Active Properties of Complex Organic Catalysts in Cyclic Carbonate Production
What?
Spring Semester of Sophomore year I worked in the Honors Organic Chemistry Laboratory run by Dr. Lieberman and Dr. Pinhas. I was partnered with Sarah Bek, another undergraduate student, to research the best catalysts to be used in cyclic carbonate formation. Previous studies had indicated that large organometallic catalysts with bromine and magnesium ions created the product in the highest yield. However, these catalysts are expensive, difficult to use, and hard to procure. Therefore I researched the functional properties of bromide and magnesium salts to see if they created the product in similar yield. Magnesium and bromide salts are of interest because they are cheaper, easier to use, and easier to obtain.
So What?
Over the course of experimentation I gained confidence in my ability to both design and implement experiments. I became proficient in the use and interpretation of spectrometry including: Mass Spectrometry, using chromatography, and Infrared Spectrometry. I also gained a greater understanding of Hard-Soft Acid Base Theory and used this understanding to guide the testing of magnesium and bromine. At the end of the semester I presented alongside the other honors students about what the experiments indicated and areas for future experimentation. This experience allowed me to practice articulating my scientific findings in a way that is meaningful to a broader audience.
Now What?
In the future I plan to share my results with next year’s students so that their research can build off my own. I also hope to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium the following year. In addition, I will be able to apply the communication skills I learned to my practice as a physician. I will have experience articulating scientific reasoning so that patients can apply it to their lives.
Artifact
Working alongside Sarah Bek and under the supervision of Dr. Lieberman has allowed me to refine my research skills and to understand the relevance of research in my future as a medical practitioner.
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