Geraldyn Bandola
Faissal Sabalboro
Chemistry 104
19 August 2002
21 August 2002

Experiment # 41

Title: Studies in Structural Organic Chemistry: Isomerism

Purpose of the experiment: The purpose of this experiment was to familiarize us with isomers and the models. It helped us to see why there was a certain amount of isomers for each formula.

Procedure: First I take the box from the front of the room containing the equipment needed. Next I scan the instructions and the homework assignment, Then I follow the directions by converting methane, to methyl chloride, to dichloromethane, etc. by using the black balls for carbon and yellow balls for hydrogen. I find out how many isomers are in each alkane group such as C₃H₈. I do this by replacing one or two of the hydrogen balls with the green chlorine balls. Before each conversion I look for what's equivalent to each other in each formula. After I grasp the concept or at least I think I grasp the concepts by bugging you, the teacher and reading the book to make sure. I go home to do the report. I refreshed my memory by searching the book to find out what an isomer was again. Did you know that it's the same formula, but put in different ways? While I was doing the write up I ended up very confused for hours. Finally I called my old chemistry teacher, Dr. Benson, to find out what a set was. Do you know him? Then I recopied my homework so it would be presentable (the wonders of using a pen ^_^).

Conclusion: I felt stupid for not understanding what a set was, but now I understand and it's all good. I also know that there is more than one isomer's if there are more than 3 Carbons in a formula (ie. C₄H₁₀).

Evaluation of Experiment: I felt that this was a good experiment because it made me search for the answers and helped me understand the concepts of isomers, but it took too long. Maybe explain what a set is in more detail in the future for other students. I improved on writing the condensed structural formula. I liked working with the models and I enjoyed talking to my old professor.

* I hope u enjoyed this presentation. I really did learn from this experiment and I didn't want to take anything (any points) away from my assignment, but I thought everyone deserves to laugh. Enjoy the rest of your papers*