A Semester-Long, Organic Chemistry Laboratory Structured around Unknown Analysis and Resynthesis as a Bridge to Guided-Inquiry

The complete structural analysis and resynthesis of an unknown compound, selected from a library of dipeptides, provided a framework for a course that built from expository experiments toward a guided-inquiry approach. We used this semester-long lab as a replacement for conventional second semester organic chemistry laboratory and successfully covered the critical concepts and lab techniques typically covered in traditional courses while better engaging the students.