The purpose of a qualitative analysis experiment is to determine the structure of an unknown compound using a combination of analytical techniques (NMR, FTIR, Mass Spec, TLC, melting point, boiling point, and C-H analysis) and functional group tests. The simulation does not allow for the use of derivatives. A set of practice unknowns (compounds with known structures and functional groups) are available to explore the positive and negative results of the functional group tests.
The general process for performing a qualitative analysis experiment is as follows.
- In the stockroom tab, select an unknown group from the list which, in turn, will expand the list with a set of known compounds of that group and an unknown. Next, select the desired compound or unknown by clicking the bottle in the stockroom tab. The compound or unknown will be added to the flask on the lab bench.
Switch to the Live Data tab, and the boiling point and C-H analysis for the unknown will be visible. The C-H analysis tests for carbon and hydrogen only, but other hetero-atoms may be present.
NMR, FTIR, Mass Spec, TLC, and melting points can be measured by selecting the appropriate analytical technique and dragging the sample container to the flask on the cork ring.
Functional group tests are performed by clicking on the flask and dragging a test tube, containing an aliquot of the compound, to the stir plate and selecting one of the functional group tests from the reagent bottles. Details for the functional group tests are found in the Functional Groups Help section.