Synthetic chemistry is one
of the most exciting areas of research in the chemical field. Synthetic
chemists create of new molecules by means of a series of defined chemical
reactions resulting in a new product. When a student develops a new
product at Grove City College it is with a sense of pride knowing that you are
the first individual to have ever laid eyes on that molecule. Synthetic
chemists also use a variety of instrumental methods to identify the newly
prepared compound. We routinely run phosphorus NMR, proton NMR,
UV-Vis, IR, GC-Mass Spec as well as having isolated samples sent out for X-ray
analysis and micro-analysis. There are many different areas of
synthetic chemistry, including but not limited to Inorganic, Organometallics,
Organic and Biochemistry. The Chemistry Department at Grove City
College strives to offer interesting and educational research opportunities for
our students both during the school year and in the summer.
Research projects include the synthesis and characterization of
novel transition metal organometallic complexes using various
mono, bi and tri-dentate phosphines. Characterization methods
include 31P NMR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, UV-Vis, GC-MS, AA, CV, FT-IR,
microanalysis as well as x-ray crystallography. Prepared complexes are
then analyzed for their hydrogenation capabilities utilizing a high pressure
reactor. Research students are encouraged to expand their chemical
knowledge and to develop their laboratory skills in a faculty guided research
project.
An interdisciplinary biology research
project involving the investigating the identification of cuticular
hydrocarbons in the Dogbane Beetle is also underway.